Tower and Town, September 2019

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Wildlife Rambles

Every summer, I spend four weeks working for Marlborough College Summer School, leading morning walks through the Wiltshire countryside. No matter where in the world they come from, my fellow ramblers are always impressed by the spectacular scenery of the Marlborough Downs, the crystal-clear waters of the Kennet and the ancient oaks and beeches of the Savernake Forest.

The amazement expressed by the group as we leave Gopher Wood, high above Huish, and the panoramic views of the Pewsey Vale unfold below us, always reminds me how lucky I am to live in such a beautiful part of the country.

It is easy to take for granted the spectacles which Wiltshire walkers pass on a regular basis; the massive trees of Savernake; the high, wildflower-strewn escarpment between Martinsell and Tan Hill or the sparkling stream which flows through the middle of Marlborough.

After a week in which we cover a total of 25 miles, I seek feedback about which of the five walks were most popular. Invariably, people find it hard to rank them – how can you judge the majesty of the mighty oaks against the gentle meandering of the Kennet, and the windswept expanses of the rolling downland?

Which is my favourite walk? Probably the one which takes in a bit of everything – river valley, dense woodland and open Downs, and is particularly spectacular in Spring when the beech woods are carpeted with bluebells. Starting from the roundabout near the Pewsey Road Bridge, follow the Treacle Bolly footpath as far as Preshute House and then ascend Granham Hill. At the top of the hill, bear right following the Wansdyke Path or White Horse Trail all the way through West Woods and then on to Gopher Wood. As mentioned before, there is no better viewpoint in Wiltshire than that from the top of Draycott Hill, looking down over Huish and Oare. From here, accompanied by kestrels, red kites, buzzards and ravens riding the thermals, it is plain sailing to the car park above Alton Barnes.

White Horse Trail, skirting West Woods

Seán Dempster