Avon Valley Footpath

Location: Wiltshire; Hampshire; Dorset

OS Maps: Explorer 130; OL22

The Avon Valley footpath is fascinating to both the historian and the naturalist. It starts from one of England's most famous cathedral cities, Salisbury, and passes through the villages of Odstock, Charlton All Saints, Harbridge, Turmer, Sopley and Burton and the market towns of Downton, Fordingbridge and Ringwood on its way towards the Norman town of Christchurch at the mouth of the River Avon. The naturalist will find that the way is rich in flora and fauna, crossing as it does the chalk uplands south of Salisbury, the gravel ledges alongside the New Forest and the rich alluvial water meadows dissected by many mill streams and irrigation channels. It is also the haunt of kingfishers and of the rare otter. The route crosses two water meadows which are both Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI's). For those who just enjoy the walk, the route affords some breathtaking views from such high spots as Bishop's Walk, Castle Hill and the ridge above Downton.

Guide Book: Now out of print but may be available from library or second hand

A Guide to the Avon Valley Footpath by Sarah Moxey Sarah Moxey provides a complete guide to one of southern England's pleasant waterside long distance paths, complete with details of public transport and places to eat, stay and visit. Instructions are clear and there is a wealth of background information included to make the journey even more interesting. It is important to bear in mind that this is primarily a summer walk as stretches of it can be impassable from December through to May.