On a bright sunny morning we started our walk from Pewsey Station. The day was certainly a lot better than a quite miserable Friday. After heading along a bridle-path, and across a few fields, we began our steep climb up to the trig point at the top of the ridge. We were greeted with spectacular views across the vales and very little wind.
After catching our breath we then headed along the ridge to Martinsell Hill lookout and further extended views eastwards. Martinsell is an old iron-age fort and the moat like structures were clearly evident, as well as ancient oak and beech trees.
After feasting on our snacks we headed off towards Huish Hill and then Gopher Wood before heading north towards the Wansdyke trail.
After lunching at a suitable spot along the footpath (no brambles/nettles and warming sunshine on our backs), we continued our undulating trek before reaching Wansdyke Path. The dyke is a sight to behold and always amazes me at the amount of manpower necessary to build such.
We then turned off the dyke and headed to Milk Hill, the highest point on our walk, before descending down past the Alton Barnes White Horse hill-figure and then to Adams Grave, an ancient long barrow.
We continued our downwards trip eventually reaching the Kennet & Avon Canal at Wilcot, which we followed to Pewsey Wharf. It is a particularly pleasant part of the canal. We reached Pewsey Station at 4:05pm, leaving enough time for a quick visit to the Ale Shed in Pewsey.
Listed as a challenging walk, the length ended up at a touch over 14 miles. The weather was very kind, apart for a short snow shower mid afternoon.
Thank you to Ian for leading this walk and writing it up.
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