Tisbury Circular via Donhead St. Andrew walk

This walk explores the Upper Nadder Valley (also known as the Vale of Wardour) in the south westerly parts of the West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is spectacular walking country with some breathtaking open vistas in a varied landscape. The route heads west from Tisbury along the Nadder valley and through Wardour Park with its large mansion. After lunch at an award-winning gastro pub in Donhead St. Andrew, a series of ascents through some large estates and several woods take you all the way to the Nadder Head in another large country estate. Looping back the route passes a Neolithic hill fort site on a ridge right on the boundary with Dorset, with occasional views through trees to surrounding steep downs.
An exhilarating descent and an equally exhilarating route through the wooded Barkers Hill lead back down to the Nadder. The return route then leads right past the romantically ruined 14th century Old Wardour Castle and through High Wood back into Tisbury, a remarkably unspoilt village.

Tisbury Station is on the London Waterloo to Exeter St. Davids West of England Main Line. Journey times are 106 minutes Monday to Saturday (hourly) and 114 minutes on Sunday (hourly).

The Forester Lower Street, Donhead St. Andrew, Shaftesbury, Wiltshire, SP7 9EE (01747 828 038). The Forester Inn is located 7.0 km (4.3 mi) into the walk. Open Tue-Sat 12.00-15.00 and 18.30-23.00, Sun 12.00-15.00. Food Served Tue-Sat 12.00-14.00 and 19.00-21.00, Sun 12.00-14.00. Originally called "The New Inn", The Forester has been a public house since the 15th century. The beautiful old thatched building is made from greensand stone. Inside The Forester still retains that old world feeling with the large inglenook fireplace, stone walls and original beamed ceilings. It has been awarded the prestigious and highly sought-after Michelin Bib Gourmand Award for serving excellent quality food at reasonable prices for 2013 and for every year since.

Tisbury Fish & Chips The Square, Tisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 6JP (01747 870 273).
Beatons Tearooms and Bookshop The Square, Tisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 6JP (01747 871 819). Open 8.45-17.00 Mon-Fri, 8.30-17.00 Sat and 9.00-16.30 Sun.
Tisbury Delicatessen High Street, Tisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 6DP (01747 871 771). Open 08.00-18.00 Mon-Sat and 09.00-13.00 Sun.
The Beckford Bottle Shop High Street, Tisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 6LD (01747 870 947). Open 10.00-18.30 Tue-Thu, 10.00-19.30+ Fri, 09.00-19.30+ Sat and 10.00-13.30 Sun. Drinks are sold by the glass.
The Benett High Street, Tisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 6HD (01747 870 428). Open 12.00-late daily. Run by the local Keystone Brewery. Selected bar food is available upon request.
The Boot Inn High Street, Tisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 6PS (01747 870 363). Open 12.00-14.30 Wed-Sun and 19.00-23.00 Mon-Sat (17.00-23.00 Fri). Food served until 21.30 evenings.
The South Western Station Road, Tisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 6JT (01747 228 010). The South Western is a pub with rooms originally built in 1884 as one of two railway hotels in Tisbury. The pub is currently closed!