Walking & Walking Routes in Salisbury

Walking in and around Salisbury

Salisbury is a relatively flat city, lending itself for some great short, accessible walks as well as some long distance routes too. Find out more about walking in the area, pack your walking boots and come along for an adventure…

Short walking routes in Salisbury

Whether you fancy a short stroll of an evening or a quick walk around one of our parks, there are lots of options available. Download the Salisbury and Wilton Walking Map for suggested routes in and around the city centre or alternatively pick up a copy of it from the Salisbury Information Centre on Fish Row.

A popular walk is the Town Path walk that you can pick up from Queen Elizabeth Gardens. This flat walk along a tarmacked path leads you past Salisbury’s water meadows to the Harnham area of Salisbury. It’s from along this walk that Constable painted one of his famous Salisbury scenes. 

Equally, another popular walk is to pick up the riverside footpath that follows from the Maltings Shopping Centre up to Stratford-sub-castle. Along the way you will pass the Avon Valley nature reserve where you can sometimes be lucky enough to spot a kingfisher. The route can then also be extended to encompass the original site of Salisbury, Old Sarum. 
Other walks are available to download from the VisitWiltshire website or alternatively pop into Salisbury Information Centre where you can purchase books on local walks. 

Long distance walks in the Salisbury area

Salisbury is the start of the 34-mile Avon Valley Path long distance walking route. The route follows the River Avon south of the city to Downton, via Ringwood and edges of the New Forest National Park and then on eventually into Christchurch Harbour.

Another long distance walking route to go through the area is the 24-mile Clarendon Way that links Salisbury to another cathedral city, Winchester. Along the way the route passes the Laverstock Downs with its rare orchids in the summer and the ruins of Clarendon Palace, a royal hunting lodge.

Looking for other walks in Salisbury and the wider area? 

Head to the VisitWiltshire website for downloadable walking routes and other suggestions in the area. Salisbury makes a great base for exploring further afield and with so much countryside around, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can also find more inspiration for self-guided walks on the Wiltshire Walks app. Wiltshire Walks have out together some walks for Salisbury to inspire you. 

Guided walks of the area

If you like to be guided then why not join Salisbury City Guides for one of their historical walks of the city centre? Walks take place regularly throughout the year and last approximately 90 minutes. More information can be obtained by Salisbury Information Centre.

Places to buy walking equipment

If you’ve forgotten to bring all of your walking kit with you then don’t fret! There are a couple of outdoor equipment shops located within the city centre including Cotswold Outdoor and Blacks. On the outskirts of the city, Sports Direct has a selection of walking equipment.

Discover accommodation where your muddy boots will be welcome

We’ve plenty of places to stay where walkers are welcome. From places to leave your muddy boots through to hosts that are happy to share with you their favourite local walks browse our places to stay in and around Salisbury and book your walking break today. 

Alternatively, book with one of our guided or self-guided walking companies and they can arrange your accommodation for you and plan the routes so you have less stress.