The best walks and hikes around Figheldean

The hiking terrain around Figheldean is defined by two main features: the vast, open chalk downland of Salisbury Plain with its rolling hills, and the gentle, lush riverside paths along the River Avon. This provides a great variety, from expansive walks with wide-open skies to more sheltered strolls through water meadows.

Yes, there's a wide selection of routes. You can find over 140 trails around Figheldean, catering to different preferences. The majority are rated as easy or moderate, making the area accessible for most fitness levels.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the unique experience of walking through a landscape rich with prehistoric sites and the peaceful atmosphere of the riverside paths.

Many of the best walks in the area are loops. For a shorter, easy circular walk, consider the St. Leonard's Church, Bulford loop from Bulford, which is a gentle 4 km route through the Avon Valley. For a longer day out, the 17 km Stonehenge – New King Barrows loop from Larkhill offers a more challenging circular hike.

Yes, the public footpaths around Figheldean are generally suitable for dog walking. However, much of the area is part of the Salisbury Plain Training Area and also contains farmland with livestock. It is essential to keep dogs under close control or on a lead, and always adhere to local signage.

The St. Leonard's Church, Bulford loop from Durrington is a great option for families. It's a relatively flat and easy 4.5 km walk that follows the River Avon, offering pleasant scenery without any strenuous climbs.

There are several routes that allow you to approach Stonehenge on foot. A popular moderate option is the Stonehenge – Woodhenge loop from Larkhill. This 10.8 km trail connects two of the area's most significant prehistoric monuments and lets you experience the ancient landscape.

Yes, the region is crossed by ancient trackways that form parts of long-distance trails. The Great Stones Way, which connects the stone circles at Avebury and Stonehenge, passes through this landscape. You can find more information about this specific trail on the English Heritage website.

The Pewsey Avon Trail runs through the valley, and many local routes incorporate sections of it. The paths along the river offer a different experience to the open plains, with lush vegetation and opportunities for spotting wildlife like kingfishers and otters.

For a more compact exploration of the area around the famous monument, the Stonehenge – New King Barrows loop from Stonehenge is an excellent choice. It's an easy 6.5 km walk that gives you a great sense of the historical setting without requiring a full day's hike.

Absolutely. The entire Salisbury Plain is an open-air museum. Many trails lead past Bronze Age barrows, Woodhenge, and Durrington Walls. A short drive away, you can also visit Figsbury Ring, a well-regarded Iron Age hillfort that offers fantastic views and a sense of history.

Parking is typically available in designated car parks near major attractions like Stonehenge, or in informal lay-bys and village streets for routes starting elsewhere. Always check for local parking restrictions, especially when parking in villages, to ensure you are not causing an obstruction.