The best walks and hikes in Martin Down National Nature Reserve

There are several car parks providing access to the reserve. The main car park is located on the A354, Salisbury to Blandford road, and is a common starting point for many trails. Another smaller car park can be found on the minor road to the east of the village of Martin, which is also a good access point for the western side of the down.

Yes, dogs are welcome in the reserve. However, Martin Down is a sensitive environment for ground-nesting birds and grazing livestock. It is essential to keep your dog under close control at all times, and on a lead, especially during the bird nesting season (March to July) and when livestock are present.

The trails at Martin Down are primarily across open chalk downland, which means you'll encounter gently rolling hills and wide-open grassy paths. Most routes are on well-defined tracks, but some sections can be uneven. The area is known for its ancient earthworks, so some paths follow these historic ditches and banks. It can be exposed to the elements, so be prepared for wind and sun.

Absolutely. The open nature and relatively gentle slopes of the reserve make it suitable for families. There are numerous shorter loops of under 5 kilometers that allow you to experience the landscape without a major time commitment. These easier walks still offer the chance to see the famous Bokerley Ditch and enjoy the expansive views.

Many trails incorporate the reserve's significant archaeological features. To get a real sense of this massive Romano-British earthwork, consider the Bokerley Ditch – Bokerley Dyke loop from Martin. This route follows the ditch for a significant portion, allowing you to appreciate its scale and historical importance up close.

For wildflowers, the best time to visit is late spring and summer. The downland comes alive with a vast array of flowers, including several species of orchid, from May to August. This floral abundance also makes summer the peak season for spotting butterflies. For birdwatching, spring is excellent for hearing skylarks, yellowhammers, and cuckoos.

Yes, there are options for a post-hike refreshment. The village of Martin itself has a pub. For a walk that conveniently starts and ends near one, you could try the The Queen's Head Pub – View from Ox Drove loop from Martin, which incorporates a local pub into a longer circular route.

Yes, the network of footpaths and bridleways crisscrossing the reserve makes it very easy to create circular walks of various lengths. Most of the popular, well-trodden routes are loops that start and end at one of the main car parks, allowing you to explore different aspects of the reserve and return to your starting point.

Yes, you can extend your hike to the nearby Pentridge Hill. For a rewarding trek that combines the reserve's famous earthworks with the climb up the hill, the Pentridge Hill loop via Bokerley Ditch is an excellent choice. It offers fantastic views from the top as a reward for the effort.

The experience is quite different. Martin Down offers vast, open chalk grasslands with long-distance views and a profound sense of history from its ancient earthworks. The New Forest, in contrast, is characterized by its ancient woodlands, heathlands, and famous ponies. If you prefer wide-open spaces and big skies, Martin Down is ideal. If you enjoy shaded woodland paths and a more enclosed landscape, the New Forest would be a better fit.

The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. Hikers frequently praise the sense of peace and quiet, the immense feeling of space under big skies, and the tangible connection to history you get from walking along the ancient Bokerley Ditch. The abundance of wildflowers and bird song in summer is also a major highlight.

You'll find over 30 different hiking routes to explore in and around Martin Down National Nature Reserve. These range from short, easy strolls perfect for a quick outing to more challenging all-day treks that cover the wider landscape, ensuring there's a trail for every fitness level and interest.