Waking The Clarendon Way

The Clarendon Way, named after the site of Clarendon Palace, a former Norman royal hunting lodge, is a 24 mile/38 km path linking two of the great cathedral cities of England – Salisbury and Winchester, from Wiltshire in the west to Hampshire in the east. We are offering this as a three-night, two-walking-day break, taking you through water meadows and across chalk downland, through woodland and villages with their history, ancient houses, and pubs. At either end two historic cities with their magnificent cathedrals and elegant Closes.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Salisbury for overnight.
Much to explore in this beautiful town, including the medieval cathedral (still much as painted by Constable in the 19th century), a 13th century banqueting hall, and two outstanding museums – the Salisbury and south Wiltshire, and the Wardrobe Military.  

Day 2: Walk Salisbury to Broughton.
Leave the city to cross the Bourne at medieval Milford Bridge and pass through peaceful Clarendon Park. At Pitton you may like to take a break at the Silver Plough pub before passing into the county of Hampshire following the old Roman road. Overnight Broughton. 11 miles/17.6 kms

Day 3: Walk Broughton to Winchester.
Follow the Wallop Brook to Houghton, with its interesting church, and its pub, and then cross the Test, the longest and finest chalk stream in the county. Come to the pretty village of King's Sombourne, first mentioned in the Domesday Book and so to Farley Mount with its spectacular views and curious pyramid folly dedicated to a horse. Then to Oliver's Battery and to St. Cross, with England's oldest almshouses, with its tradition of offering the Wayfarer's Dole to those travelers who ask for it. Finally enter the city proper via the college and water meadows. Overnight Winchester.
13 miles/20.8 kms

Day 4: Departure.

Getting there

Rail: The walk begins in Salisbury, which is on the main railway line from London (Waterloo) – see www.thetrainline.com

Bus: Direct services from London – see www.nationalexpress.com

Air: The nearest airports are Bournemouth, Bristol and London.