Tisbury Circular via Hindon walk

The Nadder Valley, picturesque villages, some dry chalky U-shaped downs of the West Wiltshire Downs, wooded ridges and one of Britain’s largest thatched buildings

History

This is a list of previous times this walk has been done by the club (since Jan 2010). For more recent events (since April 2015), full details are shown.

Date Option Post # Weather
Sun, 11-Aug-24 Sunday Walk - West Wiltshire Downs: Tisbury Circular via Hindon 3 warm with a breeze
Sun, 09-Oct-22 Sunday Walk - West Wiltshire Downs: Tisbury Circular via Hindon 6 sunny then lightly cloudy
Sat, 30-Nov-19 Saturday Walk - West Wiltshire Downs: Tisbury Circular via Hindon (Last Chance for a walk from Waterloo b4 The Great Strike!) 8 dry cold with short sunny breaks
Sat, 14-Jul-18 a Saturday Walk - West Wiltshire Downs: Tisbury Circular (via Hindon, with or w/o East Knoyle) 9 hot and sunny
Sat, 27-Feb-16 Saturday Second Walk - Wiltshire downland using SWT offer 8 Some sun but more cloud with a very cold east wind
Sat, 14-Mar-15 Tisbury Circular, via Hindon 15
Sat, 17-Aug-13 Tisbury Circular, via Hindon
Length : 21.9 km (13.6 mi) [longer or shorter walk possible]
Ascent/Descent : 428 m
Net Walking Time : ca. 5 ¼ hours
Toughness : 6 out of 10
Take the 09.15 Exeter St. David's train from Waterloo (09.24 Clapham J., 09.46 Woking), arriving Tisbury at 11.06. Return trains: 17.01, 17.28, 18.01, 19.01, 20.01, 21.01, 22.03.
This walk leads mostly around the very large Fonthill Estate in the West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is spectacular walking country with some breath-taking views. You’ll find picturesque villages and excellent pubs in the beautiful undulating countryside, as well as plenty of woodlands and some dry chalky U-shaped downland valleys. The morning route is a steady ascent out of Tisbury along the scenic Oddford Vale to the highest point of the walk. This stretch is also characterised by some slack way-marking though, and a map and a compass are recommended.

The walk then leads through a grassy valley and across a wooded ridge to lunch in Hindon, where the two recommended pubs are right opposite each other. Most of the ascent lies before lunch, but there are still two climbs through woods in the afternoon. The final part of the walk is a scenic descent into the Nadder Valley and then passes one of Britain’s largest thatched buildings, followed by a stretch along the river back into Tisbury, a remarkably unspoilt village.

Walk Options:
A westerly extension via East Knoyle adds 5.7 km, 2.1 km to the tarmac count and 92m ascent/descent (8/10).
Shortcut I just after lunch reduces the walk by 1.8 km, but adds 0.4 km to the tarmac count.
Shortcut II at the end reduces the walk by 1.3 km but adds 0.4 km to the tarmac count.
Lunch : The Grosvenor Arms or The Lamb in Hindon (both: 10.4 km, food all day). The Fox and Hounds in East Knoyle on the extended walk (9.8 km, food to 14.15). There are several other good pubs en route in the afternoon, see the webpage or the pdf for details.
Tea : Tisbury has plenty of options for refreshments – and a SPAR market. See the pdf for details.
For walk directions , a map, a height profile, gpx/kml files, and photos click here .T=swc.248
  • Sun, 11-Aug-24

    3 in warm with a breeze weather

    We were lucky insofar as most of the either notoriously or just seasonally overgrown paths and areas had very recently been cut, so only a stretch of the Extension (after lunch) was a mini-fight with low nettles and errant brambles. Else, there was still plenty of mud present on several of the wooded stretches, of which there were plenty, which was of course quite convenient on this sunny day. Plenty of dragonflies, butterflies and moths along the enclosed paths. And a very fine lunch for us on the Extension in the Fox & Hounds in East Knoyle. If only all country pubs would be like that one...

    1 was always going to walk the extended walk to check the text directions, 1 other joined him but then walked the afternoon shortcuts. Number 3 walked the Main Walk. I walked through the Nadder Meadows just after 6 and heard the (delayed) 18.01 depart from behind the high hedge, and didn't meet the other two in 'town' or later on the 19.01, so presumably they were on that earlier train.

    I had loads of time for the Bennett Arms and the Co-op, as Tisbury tradition kind of dictates.

Length: 21.9 km (13.6 mi) [longer or shorter walk possible]
Ascent/Descent: 428 m
Net Walking Time: ca. 5 ¼ hours
Toughness: 6 out of 10

Take the 09.15 Exeter St. David's train from Waterloo (09.24 Clapham J., 09.48 Woking), arriving Tisbury at 11.06. Return trains: 17.01, 17.28, 18.01, 19.01, 20.01, 21.01, 22.03.

This walk leads mostly around the very large Fonthill Estate in the West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is spectacular walking country with some breath-taking views. You’ll find picturesque villages and excellent pubs in the beautiful undulating countryside, as well as plenty of woodlands and some dry chalky U-shaped downland valleys. The morning route is a steady ascent out of Tisbury along the scenic Oddford Vale to the highest point of the walk. This stretch is also characterised by some slack way-marking though, and a map and a compass are recommended.
The walk then leads through a grassy valley and across a wooded ridge to lunch in Hindon, where the two recommended pubs are right opposite each other. Most of the ascent lies before lunch, but there are still two climbs through woods in the afternoon. The final part of the walk is a scenic descent into the Nadder Valley and then passes one of Britain’s largest thatched buildings, followed by a stretch along the river back into Tisbury, a remarkably unspoilt village.

Walk Options:
A westerly extension via East Knoyle adds 5.7 km, 2.1 km to the tarmac count and 92m ascent/descent (8/10).
Shortcut I just after lunch reduces the walk by 1.8 km, but adds 0.4 km to the tarmac count.
Shortcut II at the end reduces the walk by 1.3 km but adds 0.4 km to the tarmac count.

For walk directions, a map, a height profile, gpx/kml files, and photos click here .

Lunch: The Grosvenor Arms or The Lamb in Hindon (both: 10.4 km, food all day). The Fox and Hounds in East Knoyle on the extended walk (9.8 km, food to 14.15).
There are several other good pubs en route in the afternoon, see the webpage or the pdf for details.
Tea: Tisbury has a tearoom, a café, a deli, a supermarket, two pubs and a bistro/wine bar. See the webpage or the pdf for details. T=swc.248


  • Sun, 09-Oct-22

    6 off the train for a walk in sunny then lightly cloudy weather.

    Very fine day out in good company all the way, apart from one who early on went over the ankle upon coming off a stile and then took both afternoon shortcuts, as no cabs were available in the afternoon to pick her up from the lunch pub.

    Blessed are the small villages that can still support two good pubs in their midst with decent food quality, such as Hindon is. Both the Grosvenor Arms and The Lamb Inn had a table for 6 available, but only The Lamb had one inside, so that's where we went. And stayed for close to two hours! Very nice indeed.

    We got to Tisbury with enough time for a visit to the shop before catching the 18.02 train, with the swollen-ankle walker having arrived on the platform about 30 minutes earlier.

Length: 21.9 km (13.6 mi) [shorter walk possible]
Ascent/Descent: 465 m
Net Walking Time: ca. 5 hours
Toughness: 7 out of 10
[Sunset out there in the west will be at 16.05, giving sufficient light for walking to 16.30 at least. With a short lunch therefore, it shouldn’t be a problem. But the walk can be cut by 3 km in the p.m., should you fall behind schedule.]
Take the 09.20 Exeter St. David's & Bristol Temple Meads train from Waterloo (09.27 Clapham J., 09.46 Woking), arriving Tisbury at 11.06.
Return trains: 17.01, 18.01, 18.27, 19.03, 20.01, 21.01, 22.03.

This walk leads mostly around the very large Fonthill Estate in the West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is spectacular walking country with some breath-taking views. You’ll find picturesque villages and excellent pubs in the beautiful undulating countryside, as well as plenty of woodlands and some dry chalky U-shaped downland valleys. The morning route is a steady ascent out of Tisbury along the scenic Oddford Vale to the highest point of the walk. This stretch is also characterised by some slack way-marking though, and a map and a compass are recommended.
The walk then leads through a grassy valley and across a wooded ridge to lunch in Hindon, where the two recommended pubs are right opposite each other. Most of the ascent lies before lunch, but there are still two climbs through woods in the afternoon. The final part of the walk is a scenic descent into the Nadder Valley and then passes one of Britain’s largest thatched buildings, followed by a stretch along the river back into Tisbury, a remarkably unspoilt village.
Shortcut I just after lunch reduces the walk by 1.8 km (1.1 mi), Shortcut II at the end reduces the walk by 1.3 km (0.8 mi) (and the last 10 mins of walking would then be along residential roads).
For walk directions, a map, a height profile, gpx/kml files, and photos click here.
Lunch: The Angel Inn (under new management and re-opened 18 Nov) or The Lamb in Hindon (10.4 km/6.4 mi, food to 15.00).
There are several other good pubs en route in the afternoon, see the webpage or the pdf for details.
Tea: Tisbury has a tearoom, a deli, a supermarket, two pubs (one may be shut for the afternoon when you get there) and a bistro/wine bar. See the webpage or the pdf for details. T=swc.248
  • Sat, 30-Nov-19

    8 off a packed train (6 carriages instead of the usual 9) in dry cold with short sunny breaks weather.

    The mud wasn't as bad as feared, although there was one farm track crossing where the 'leader' was in it ankle-deep, the kind of stuff where you sometimes read people loose their boots, but he could warn the others and they then skirted it. The cold crisp air made for fine far views over the enchanting landscape of rolling downs, the leaf colour was still ok, sheep and dairy cows were in attendance, some quite cute.

    We got to Hindon around 13.25 and chose the newly taken over (and renamed) Grosvenor Arms (the ex-Angel Inn), which - some teething problems aside - was a very pleasant experience: friendly staff, ambitious food menu, tasty fare and very sympathetically refurbished premises.

    There was some bolshy talk about people definitely taking the afternoon shortcuts, because: Who'd want to finish in darkness?, but when it came to the decision point for Shortcut I, all turned left to follow the main route. Darkness really only hit at 16.40, by which time we were starting the final descent into the Nadder Valley, with Messums Gallery in full light guiding us down, who were preparing for an evening dinner reception.

    We crossed the Nadder by Tisbury Mill in the glow of headtorches, startling the resident dog, and then saw the delayed 17.02 train leaving. But The Bennet pub was the aim anyway, where we met the two that had taken Shortcut II. The Co-op then provided some supplies for the 18.01 train.

    A fine day out in very fine company.

Length: 27.5 km (17.0 mi) or 21.9 km (13.6 mi) [shorter options possible]
Ascent/Descent: 557m or 465 m
Net Walking Time: ca. 7 hours or ca. 5 ½ hours
Toughness: 9 out of 10 or 7 out of 10
Take the 09.20 Exeter St. David's & Bristol Temple Meads train from Waterloo (09.27 Clapham J., 09.46 Woking), arriving Tisbury at 11.06.
Return trains : 17.01 , 18.01, 18.28, 19.03, 20.01, 21.01, 22.03 .

This walk leads mostly around the very large Fonthill Estate in the West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is spectacular walking country with some breath-taking views. You’ll find picturesque villages and excellent pubs in the beautiful undulating countryside, as well as plenty of woodlands and some dry chalky U-shaped downland valleys. The morning route is a steady ascent out of Tisbury along the scenic Oddford Vale to the highest point of the walk. This stretch is also characterised by some slack way-marking though, and a map and a compass are recommended.
The walk then leads through a grassy valley and across a wooded ridge to lunch in Hindon, where the two recommended pubs are right opposite each other. Most of the ascent lies before lunch, but there are still two climbs through woods in the afternoon. The final part of the walk is a scenic descent into the Nadder Valley and then passes one of Britain’s largest thatched buildings, followed by a stretch along the river back into Tisbury, a remarkably unspoilt village.
A westerly extension via East Knoyle leads to the edge of Blackmore Vale, providing for fine views into Dorset.
For some shortcuts see the webpage or the pdf for details.
For walk directions and all options to shorten or lengthen the walk, a map, a height profile, gpx/kml files, and photos click here .
Lunch: The Angel Inn or The Lamb in Hindon (10.4 km/6.4 mi, food all day), or on the longer walk: The Fox and Hounds in East Knoyle (9.8 km/6.1 mi, food to 15.00). There are several other good pubs en route in the afternoon, see the webpage or the pdf for details.
Tea: Tisbury has a tearoom, a deli, a supermarket, two pubs (one is shut at the moment) and a bottle shop/wine bar. See the webpage or the pdf for details.
T=swc.248.a
  • Karen
    Sun, 15-Jul-18

    9 hot and sunny

    9 familiar faces off the train at Tisbury. It wasn't long before we encountered an overgrown section of the route, with not much option but to plough on through the nettles. A challenge, especially for those in shorts.

    Everyone decided to do the extension via pretty East Knoyle, meaning lunch was at The Fox and Hounds. The sandwichers, all 6 of them, enjoyed the stunning views from Windmill Hill, while the remaining 3 enjoyed the efficient and friendly service at The Fox and Hounds. The sandwichers arrived, some opting for an ice-cream, which then tempted the pub diners to finish their meal with an ice cream.

    Not long after leaving the pub, there was again a challenging overgrown section on the Monarch's Way. More nettles and long grass to trudge through, the path is not maintained. After that, things got easier, and the afternoon was a mix of shady woodland and golden fields of wheat (?). 5 took one of the shortcuts so that they could pay a visit to The Beckford Arms.

    3 just made it back in time to catch the 18:28 train, while the rest took advantage of the 30 minutes before the departure of the 19:03 to stock up o provisions at the Co-Op in Tisbury. The journey was back was quite jolly and we made it to London by 21:00.

    Overall, the walk was a good option on a hot day as there was quite a bit of walking in the shade. Just a pity about the nettles.

SWC Walk 248 - Tisbury Circular via Hindon
Length: 21.8km (13.6 miles) with 3.1km (1.9 miles) of possible afternoon shortcuts
Toughness: 7 out of 10

Catch the 9.20 train from Waterloo (9.27 Clapham Junction) to Tisbury, arriving 11.06

*** Buy your ticket online from SWT or at SWT ticket offices (eg at Waterloo) *** up to midnight the night before*** to get the SWT £15 return offer ("Discover the Great Indoors").

For walk directions click here.

We have not yet made much use of the SWT £15 offer, so here is a chance to do so. A 1hr 46 minute train journey whisks you beyond Salisbury to the Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty where this walk circles around the large Fonthill Estate. The walk notes talk of "spectacular walking country", "breathtaking views", "picturesque villages" and "excellent pubs", so that seems to tick all the boxes.

How muddy or otherwise the route is I do not know, but being on chalk one can at least hope the mud will be less gloopy than on other routes. I also note that this walk was debuted in March last year and as far as I know no one sunk without a trace on it.

It is 6 miles to lunch in Hindon (2.5 hours at a reasonable pace) where there are three pubs serving food till 2.30pm. For any that think they might not make this, there is an earlier cafe option after 3 miles.

In the afternoon two shortcuts are possible, which if taken together would reduce the walk to 11.7 miles. However it is also now light till 6pm so it should be possible to finish the whole route.

Trains back from Tisbury are at 01 or 03 past, though evening dining types might like to note that from the 19.03 onwards they take 2hrs rather than 1hr 46 minutes. The last direct train is the 20.01, though there is a 21.01 changing at Salisbury that is actually a few minutes quicker. The 22.03 requires a (rather tight) change at Basingstoke.

  • Sat, 27-Feb-16

    8 on this walk. Some sun but more cloud with a very cold east wind It was in fact sunny on the train down, but then soon clouded up once we started: after lunch we had full sunshine for a while, however, with it becoming hazier later. The key factor in the weather, however, was a bitter east wind. We weren't always in it - in fact we were surprisingly often sheltered from it - but when we were it blew right through you and out the other side.

    The cold wind made me find this walk a bit bleak in places, but another part of my brain kept registering how nice it would be in spring or summer. There were several huge bluebell woods, a meadow that would be a sea of buttercups, acres of yellow oilseed rape - but of course none of these were yet in flower.

    Others in the walk praised it for its varied landscape, and there are certainly many pretty moments and various points of interest. Quite a few big arable fields too, but also downlands grazed by sheep. Mudwise there were a lot of gloopy spots, often by gates and in the afternoon on forest tracks, also some soft fields. But quite a lot of the walk was firm underfoot, perhaps because mud is now drying out as the days lengthen.

    For lunch in the Cotswoldy village of Hindon we had a choice of two pubs. From the outside the Lamb looked cosier and more charming, but the election fell on the Angel which was friendly, served nice food (even if my portion was much smaller than everyone elses!), but perhaps lacked charm. Most did the full walk in the afternoon but two of us did the second of the shortcuts. Four of us ate in the very cosy South Western pub, whose wood burning stove and sofas were very welcome. One tried the Boot (which does not open till 7pm), found it fully booked, but squeezed a pizza and two pints of beer out of them.

    Six of us then caught the 20.01 train, which did indeed have a refreshment trolley as promised by the walk creator - one, moreover, which passed not once but twice. Why is this line so favoured when the London to Southampton mainline never has them after dark?