Salame one

Verified Slow Way

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For this review of Salame One I followed the route in reverse, from Amesbury to the Salisbury meeting point.

Overall, this is a very pleasant walk and is probably the best option for a direct, mostly off-road, route to Salisbury with superb views. The majority is easy-going; however, some parts may need consideration depending on requirements. These are detailed the full photo survey I completed to supplement this review.

I have awarded it 4 stars because of the 2.5km unpaved, on-road section through Great Durnford onto High Post Road. That said, it's not unacceptable by any means, and to the route contributor's credit there isn't really a suitable off-road alternative in this area. (I also suspect it feels less arduous travelling down Jubilee Hill rather than going up.)

Impressions:

The route begins following a picturesque, intimate footpath under tree cover crossing several footbridges over the River Avon and its tributaries. The subsequent open hillside ascent soon plateaus providing a rich view of the river valley below.

Following the course of the river the route in time enters a serene footpath under tree cover with striking lattice of roots underfoot, later joining a comfortable wide track heading down toward Great Durnford.

At the time of writing the village itself is beautiful enriched with flowers in full bloom. Leaving Durnford behind is the aptly-named road Jubilee Hill which has a moderate upward gradient, featuring the optional detour onto an interesting raised earthwork footpath.

Following the spell on High Post Road enters the traffic-free concrete track on the hills above Netton. This section was most welcome following the earlier ascent and offers splendid views - if the weather is clear here you should get your first sight of Salisbury Cathedral's spire in the distance. The route soon resolves to a footpath junction under tree cover which was a joy to pass through.

After a careful descent past Keepers Cottage, next is an immediate ascent up a fantastic old cobblestone road. It is quite uneven here so would exercise caution in poor conditions. At the summit the might of Old Sarum will now come into view (see photograph).

Crossing the road at Phillips Lane, the route rounds Old Sarum then joins the fairly steep and rough Portway footpath descending to bring you level with Salisbury at the paved semi-residential Stratford Road. Cross the road and continue until you reach Salisbury’s traffic-free full-tarmac trail to your left. From here follow the signs toward City Centre onto the meeting point.

Observations:

1) As mentioned in Mandmbrown's review (May 21) the manor house estate at Great Furndord is now blocked so you will need to follow the traffic road into the village. It has no markings and includes some bends, but is fairly wide and was very quiet when I walked it.

2) Halfway up Jubilee Hill road the Slow Ways route suggests you leave the road and pass through a couple of pedestrian gates and walk along the footpath parallel around 200m to then rejoin the road. Though not essential, it offers a nice change of pace so I would recommended it if suitable.

3) Further to Phil W's (Apr 21) review the small Right of Way found on the hills of Netton have long been tilled over, so just follow the concrete track around instead.

4) Owing to the Salisbury River Park project (Phase 1 due to be completed Spring 2024) along the tarmac trail there were two diversions that I had to follow. The first involved briefly coming off the trail along Hulse Road turning right onto Ashley Road to rejoin. The second sees an "early" exit from the trail altogether onto Castle Street, thereon making a beeline toward the Salisbury meeting point.

Both of these diversions were well-signposted, and were fully serviced by pavement and zebra crossings where crossing a road was required.

Photograph attached captures the approach to Old Sarum.

An excellent walk conducted at a leisurely pace (although the occasional gradient along the route north approaching Amesbury could make it a little challenging for some). Of note, the Slow Ways Route indicates to use an unmarked road just north of Great Durnford but this is now a "Gated" Private Estate (Photographs attached that show either end of this section), so the road out of the village is to be used.

This is a fine walk and encompasses some splendid views. One slight issue is that on Netton Hill, the route shows as following the right of way as defined on the OS map. In practice, you would need to follow the paths on the ground since the RoW is blocked by fairly dense rape seed (April 2021).

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