POSTPONED - The Warminster Wander (V2)
8 people attending
17 places left
The area around the town of Warminster is steeped in ancient history. It dates back to the Anglo-Saxon period, and there is evidence of pre-historic settlements. Two Roman Villas have also been discovered in the area.
By the 10th century, Warminster included a royal manor and an Anglo-Saxon Minster, with the residents largely associated with the estate. During the 13th century, a market was set up at Warminster, and by 1377 the town had 304 poll-tax payers, the tenth largest in Wiltshire. The town's name has evolved over time, and is thought to derive from the River Were, a tributary of River Wylye which runs through the town, and from an Anglo-Saxon minster or monastery, which existed in the area of St Denys's Church. The river's name, "Were" may derive from the Old English "worian" to wander. None of this has any relevance to the extensive military training area nearby, and the sound of gunshots and bigger explosions is a regular feature of the area. Warminster was the location for a number of UFO sightings during the 1960s and 1970s.
On this circular walk we start and end in the town and will go up onto the high chalk downland that comprises the western edge of Salisbury plain, passing the Iron Age hill forts at Battlesbury Camp, Scratchbury Camp with views of the Wyle Valley, pre-historic Settlements, army ranges, and examples of Strip Lynchetts. (A feature of ancient field systems appearing as furrows that may have been intentionally formed to prevent erosion and slippage of the ploughed slope. ) After lunch at a scenic viewpoint, the second part of the walk is flatter as we follow the River Wyle valley back to the town, with a pub stop in the village of Sutton Veny,.
Photo credits AndyM
Dogs are welcome to join us on this event but we do ask the following:
Please appreciate the fact that not everyone is a dog owner or lover- especially when we stop to eat
Please ensure you adhere to the Countryside Code at all times - see (Keeping Dogs Under Effective Control)
If your dog is uncontrolled and strays in open land frightening other animals or livestock, the leader is supported by the OutdoorLads board of trustees to ask you to leave the event as this is not acceptable behaviour
We cannot guarantee that this route is dog friendly - there may be styles to carry your dog across.
Your dog needs to have the stamina to keep up with the group. This may be an issue on hot days.
What to bring
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking, trainers are OK if the ground is dry and there’s little chance of rain
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch
Food & drink
You will need a packed lunch and plenty of water with you. We will pause for a drink at a pub approx 2/3 the way around the route.