Off the beaten track

Charlie Crossing Ford

The Ford is beautifully clear being the chalk based River Avon, it offers up the opportunity to paddle, or sit quietly under one of the trees on the river bank. The bridge is one of three tactical crossing points for military vehicles, many a warrior and tank have convoyed over the bridge which is a thrill to see.

There is a car park right next to the ford which makes it a fabulous place to take the dog for a walk or let them splash about in the river. To find this little hidden gem, pop in the post code, SP4 8AT. A private fishing site is a little further upstream so do be mindful if you dog is exploring. If you walk East you’ll come to a B road called Miltson, that crosses over on to a track and there you can walk and explore some of the wood blocks. If you look across far right you will get a glimpse of Kiwi hill. Charlie crossing ford is a wonderful place to get lost in.

Please note that as a military training area, the range wardens may ask you to leave at any point for your safety.

Boscombe Down Airfield

If you are a fan of plane spotting, then Boscombe down airfield is a wonderful place to park up near and look for the pilots training in the area. There is typically daily activity and on a fine day you will see a range of different planes burbling about overhead. If you are lucky you might see the helicopters do their practice flights where they seem to drop from the sky or more recently they had the Korean fighter jets practice their display stunts right over head. You could take a picnic to Earl’s field, SP4 7LD. Unfortunately there is no dedicated car park but you can park on one of the local streets and even sit in your car if you preferred.

Please note that as a military training area, the range wardens may ask you to leave at any point for your safety.

To make a day of it, you could visit the Boscombe Down Aviation Collection. Take a look at what they have to offer and their guide prices here. https://www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/things-to-do/boscombe-down-aviation-collection-p1416553 Nearby is Amesbury High Street with a local bakers, butchers and public houses, the most accessible car park is Amesbury Centre Car Park, SP4 7JE

Pewsey Wharf

Only a few minutes drive from our office in Pewsey Fordbrook Business Centre, Pewsey Wharf https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/places-to-visit/pewsey offers pay and display parking upon entrance and a Gastro pub, The Waterfront Bar and Bistro https://waterfrontbarandbistro.co.uk/. You have two options of exploring Kennet and Avon Canal, walking left towards Honeystreet Bridge or right, through some kissing gates by the side of the Waterfront Bar towards, Wooten Rivers Lock.

The path along the canal is mostly level and making it a comfortable walk for those that would rather stroll than go for a hike. It is wheelchair and buggy accessible but can get a bit more uneven in places. Although if you do continue on to do the longer walks it can get quite muddy and uneven under foot. There is lots to do here, dog walking, cycling, fishing  or just watching the canal boats. It is a hot bed of waterbird wildlife making it a lovely afternoon for bird spotting.  Click here http://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/RoutesLinksWalks/pewsey-walking-route  for details on some of their circular walks.