Salisbury Circular Walk
Enjoy a stroll around the grounds of the famous cathedral before exploring the surrounding rivers, gardens and streets of this famous Wiltshire city.
This three mile circular walk starts at the cathedral before heading to Mompesson House where you will pass Queen Elizabeth Gardens on the River Avon. These lovely gardens were opened in the 1960s to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. They are a real highlight of the city with majestic lawns, beautiful flower beds, streams and riverside paths. There's also a sensory garden and great views back to the cathedral.
From the park you can pick up the Town Path leading south west across the lovely Harnham Water Meadows to the Old Mill. It's a special place with lots of different types of pretty wildflower and wildlife such as egrets, kingfishers and otters to look out for. At the Old Mill you will find a picturesque mill pond and weir with a pub for refreshments.
The walk then heads to Harnham where there is a short woodland section before crossing the river and returning to the cathedral.
It's easy to extend your walking in the area by picking up one of several long distance trails which run through the city. You could pick up the Avon Valley Path around Harnham and follow it south through the countryside towards Odstock and Downton.
Another good option is to follow the Clarendon Way east to Clarendon Palace. It's about a 2 mile walk through farmland and woodland to the fascinating medieval ruined palace. The palace has an interesting history being used as a royal residence by Henry II, Henry III and Henry VI.
Just to the north of the city you will find the earliest settlement of Salisbury, Old Sarum Castle. Here you can see the exposed foundations of the former cathedral and climb the mighty ramparts for great views of the surrounding countryside.
Scroll down for a full list of walks near and around Salisbury.
Postcode
SP1 2EJ - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsSalisbury Circular Walk Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Salisbury Circular Walk Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Salisbury Circular Walk OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Salisbury Circular Walk Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Walks near Salisbury
- Old Sarum Way - This circular route takes you on tour through the river valleys, woodland and downland around Salisbury
- Clarendon Way - Walk from Salisbury to Winchester on the Clarendon Way and enjoy some wonderful scenery
- Old Sarum Castle - Visit the site of the earliest settlement of Salisbury on this fascinating walk in Wiltshire
- Pepperbox Hill - This walk climbs to a distinctive 17th century folly on Pepperbox Hill near Salisbury in Wiltshire.
- Coombe Bissett Down - Enjoy a short walk around this pretty nature reserve near Salisbury
- Salisbury Country Way - A super circular walk through the countryside around Salisbury
- Salisbury Plain - This walk explores a section of the ancient Salisbury Plain with its chalk grassland, fascinating historical sites and wide ranging views
- Salisbury to Stonehenge Walk - This walk takes you from the city centre of Salisbury to the iconic Stonehenge
- Great Wishford - Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the River Wylye on this waterside walk in the Wiltshire village of Great Wishford
- Grovely Wood - Enjoy cycling and walking trails in this large area of woodland near the Wiltshire village of Great Wishford.
- Stonehenge - This circular walk visits the countryside and woodland around this famous historical site
- Woodhenge to Stonehenge Walk - This circular walk takes you from the car park at Woodhenge to the world famous Stonehenge
- Figsbury Ring - This walk visits the Iron Age hill fort of Figsbury Ring near the city of Salisbury in Wiltshire.
- Avon Valley Path - This wonderful river valley footpath takes you from Salisbury to Christchurch on the South Coast.
You start by the magnificent cathedral in Salisbury and head south towards Downton - Broad Chalke - This picturesque Wiltshire based village is a lovely place for an easy stroll.
- Salisbury River Walk - This lovely circular route takes you along the Riverside Walk in Churchill Gardens in Salisbury.
Dog Walking
In nearby Great Wishford Grovely Wood has some nice trails for dog walking. Following the Clarendon Way east will take you into the woodland of Beachy Dean Copse.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Just a few miles south east of the city you can enjoy a climb to Pepperbox Hill. The National Trust owned area includes a distinctive 17th century and some fine views over the Wiltshire countryside to the city.
Head a few miles north east and you could explore Figsbury Ring. The Iron Age hill fort is another National Trust owned site with good footpaths around the ramparts and more tremendous views.
Photos
Salisbury Cathedral in early morning light. The cathedral has the tallest church spire in the UK.
Mompesson House. One of the superb houses bordering The Green. Part of the Cathedral Close. This house, owned by The National Trust, was featured in the film Sense and Sensibility.
Queen Elizabeth Gardens. Showing part of the River Avon diverted through the gardens.
An image of a recently pollarded willow tree, the larger branches are stacked at the base of the tree and finer brushwood is piled nearby.
The Old Mill at West Harnham ca 1970
Public footpath to the Old Mill, Harnham. The path crosses the water meadows from the Queen Elizabeth Park to Harnham.
River Nadder, Salisbury
