Weekly Walk #9 - Wiltshire Wanderers do Old Sarum

Today I went for a walk with the Ramblers, a walking charity who help protect and increase access and promote walking through many walking groups. I took a blustery stroll with the Wiltshire Wanderers from Iron Age Hill Fort Old Sarum and met some lovely people on a new walk without needing to read a map. I only wish I had proper gloves!

Our group gathered in the car park and after a quick meet and greet wandered down the narrow access road to a gate, along a footpath past the fort, over a road and on past a farm house.

I had a chat about the group and was interested in the long distance walks, but it was nice to know shorter walks such as this were on offer. After a breather and a regroup for those who'd marched ahead (myself included) we continued through a wooded area and down to a road.

We continued a series of lanes and bridges before a set of barns, then continued left across a field, where we were greeted by a pair of inquisitive horses and a muddy path.

Next was a lovely wooded area by the river with old wooden buildings. Soon we past picturesque Manor house, Little Durnford Manor, where it sounded as if a ping pong tournament was taking place. The opposite field was interesting too, as there were donkeys, lamas, and in a barn at the back, a camel. Quite the selection of animals! We continued through a gate and turned right along the road until we could clearly see the Cathedral.

The last part of the walk took us over a series of stiles and fields before Old Sarum appeared. We headed up a tree-lined path towards the fort, then through an even narrower tree-lined path to a field encircling the ruins, which led us back to the cars.

I almost couldn't turn the key in my car for numb fingers and had the heater on full to warm up. It'd been a great morning and I'd managed to talk to just about everyone in the group. I certainly liked not having to navigate, and will definitely take another walk with the Ramblers.