I found following Old Shaftsbury Drove for the most part exceptionally dull – the majority of the track is hemmed in with trees and hedges on both sides only allowing occasional glimpses of what feels like a more interesting world outside. Likewise, toward the end of the drove section it gives way to interesting and varying tree cover before turning into Bishopstone Down and onto Wilton. Following the northern perimeter of Castle Ditches Landscape overlooking Gurston Holes from Old Shaftsbury Drove Glimpse of the outside world on Old Shaftsbury Drove (1) Entering tree cover on Old Shaftsbury Drove Partial tree cover on Old Shaftsbury Drove Dramatic tree cover on Old Shaftsbury Drove...

Charles312

Fortunately, this section is very easy to detour so it should not stop people enjoying this Slow Ways route, either by following the bridleway that runs almost parallel to the footpath in question, or by crossing the two fields approaching Harnham diagonally if conditions allow. I feel this route is well-suited for those who would prefer to take a less urban/residential route between the Wilton and Salisbury as found in Wilsal Two and Three - providing they are comfortable navigating Race Plain Road and the A3094 - but find Wilsal Four a little too indirect. In contrast to another review, I found the section along Home Farm Road quite peaceful aglow as it was in the setting sun. Entering Netherhampton there isn't any signage indicating there is a pedestrian underpass for the A3094 – in fact until I saw it on this Slow Ways route I had no idea it existed. Leaving the village, as one reviewer mentioned, the diagonal footpath across the two fields following does feel more inviting than circumnavigating as per the Slow Ways route....

Charles312

I walked this route yesterday, and it is about a mile longer than Wilsal1, but avoids the questionable road section from Home FarmRd to the A3094....

Brian

Identical comments to Wilsal 2, other than it continues along the Quidhampton Rd, so that it makes the route mobility issue friendly. It also goes past the pub...

Brian

By incorporating the short off road section in Quidhampton makes it a non mobility friendly route, I will upload Wilsal3, so that pushchairs etc can undertake....

Brian

I also failed to see why the route went from the A3094 down to the 'Aqueduct', I did it because I was surveying the route, but it was most disappointing, the path diagonally across the field looked far more inviting( plus save 0.10 mi )....

Brian

The route has beautiful views and we enjoyed breaking for lunch under the trees at the spot height and cross-roads on Bishopstone Down......

danravenellison

Fantastic route, easy way finding, no danger spots and plenty of great views....

Smithster76

This is a direct route that has fascinating places and the charms of both historic Wilton and Salisbury, but also unusual green spaces and a significant section of agglomerated car show-rooms. It is certainly good enough to be in the network, but I've not given it more stars because of the section of walking down Salisbury Road, the crossing over Netherhampton Road and some lane walking. This is a good alternative to Wilsal One, but I'd like to see the safety issues with that route addressed so that people can enjoy that way too....

danravenellison

A functional and safe route between Wilton and Salisbury with some interesting points along the route - but also a fair bit of road walking....

Smithster76

I spoke to the landlady of V and A pub opposite the church who says there is a local campaign for a walking route from the village into Wilton. Harnham and the town path’ into Salisbury is a nice walk with good views of the cathedral Personally though I would take the route vie Broken Bridges and round the back of the industrial estate-although no route shown on map it is a beautiful walk beside the river ( again no good after weeks of heavy rain as can be underwater) and it finishes at the train station (again a shout unpleasant bit 500 metres or so beside the road on pavement)....

Diana

The difficulty of finding a good Slow Ways route between Wilton and Salisbury is the busy Churchfields Industrial Estate at the Salisbury end and the large private Wilton Estate at the Wilton end. Between this point and Wilton, the route is entirely along roads, apart from a tiny detour on a track that goes UNDER A3094 Netherhampton Road. Then comes the most 'dangerous' part of the route, as one has to cross the Race Plain Road and walk along the edge of it before turning off right around the South side of the Wilton Estate. On turning right onto Portfield Road there is a long section where you have to walk on the pavement between busy road and high Western wall of the Wilton Estate - not what I would choose. The route then goes along South Street and left into West Street Wilton....

MaryLanyon