The best walks and hikes around Erlestoke

Yes, there are over 200 marked hiking routes in the Erlestoke area. The landscape offers a great deal of variety, from gentle woodland paths to more challenging hikes on the open chalk plateau of Salisbury Plain.

The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the mix of scenery, from the quiet, well-maintained paths in the woodlands to the expansive, panoramic views from the edge of Salisbury Plain.

Many of the best routes are circular. For a moderately challenging loop that takes you through varied landscapes including woodland and open fields, consider the Coulston Deer Park loop from Edington. It's a great example of the circular walks the region offers.

Most public footpaths in the area are dog-friendly. However, you will cross farmland and areas with livestock, especially near Salisbury Plain. Always keep your dog on a lead in these areas. The woodland paths, like those in Erlestoke Park Wood, are particularly popular with dog walkers.

Yes, there are plenty of shorter, easier options suitable for families. The Hiking loop from West Lavington is a relatively flat 4-mile (6.5 km) walk that is great for a family outing, exploring the gentle countryside without any major climbs.

The routes leading from the woodlands around Erlestoke up to Salisbury Plain involve some steady ascents onto the chalk escarpment. Once on the plain, the terrain is very open with wide, grassy tracks. The effort is rewarded with fantastic, far-reaching views across Wiltshire.

Parking is often found in the villages where the hikes begin, such as West Lavington or Edington. Erlestoke Park Wood has a small car park at its entrance, but it can fill up. You can also find parking near the church and recreation ground in Erlestoke. Always park considerately in residential areas.

While the trails themselves primarily pass through countryside and woodland, the villages that serve as start and end points, such as Edington and West Lavington, have pubs. It's best to plan your walk to start or finish in one of these villages to enjoy a meal or drink afterwards.

Besides the immediate trails, there are several highly-regarded spots nearby:

• Erlestoke Park Wood: A local favorite known for its accessible paths and beautiful bluebell displays in spring.
• Morgan’s Hill: A popular spot offering stunning, panoramic views that walkers love.
• North Wessex Downs National Landscape: A vast area of tranquil, hilly countryside perfect for longer walking adventures.

Hiking is possible year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly beautiful. In spring, the woodlands like Erlestoke Park Wood are famous for their carpets of bluebells. Autumn offers wonderful colours in the woods, while summer provides long days to enjoy the expansive views from Salisbury Plain.

Accessing the trailheads directly via public transport can be challenging as the area is quite rural. Bus services connect some of the larger villages like West Lavington, but services can be infrequent. It is generally easier to travel to the area by car to have more flexibility.

Yes, the wider Wiltshire area is great for outdoor pursuits. For organized activities like canoeing, kayaking, and mountain biking, you can look into the Wiltshire Outdoor Learning Team, which offers various adventures in the region.