Our leader Dianne says it will be "damp underfoot" but all set otherwise. No need to bring water for your Hound.
Our May walk will take us through the Savernake Forest in North East Wiltshire. Our leader is Dianne Billing. It is the only ancient forest in Britain that remains in private ownership and is designated a SSSI. The forest covers an area of 4,500 acres and is well known for the many venerable trees now nearing the end of their 1,000 year life.
We will meet at The Ailesbury Column and take a circular walk to see some of the old trees and walk along part of the gallops laid out when the forest was remodeled by Capability Brown.
We will return to the grassy area at the column for our picnic lunch (so you can leave your food in your cars) and then set out again on different forest trails for our afternoon jaunt.
With few roads we will be following tracks through the woods so there is plenty of space for your hounds to trot, snoot and sniff. The walking is easy and the pace gentle. No mountains on this walk! The Savernake Forest spans four dry valleys but expect a few muddy patches if it has rained in the week before the walk.
Please have plenty of water with you – there are no easily accessible sources for the hounds. The forest is home to a large population of wild deer – so make sure any tick treatment is up to date.
To find the start (10.30am): The Savernake has no signs or reliable maps so getting us all to the start is going to be an exercise in itself – but see map here.
Leave Marlborough on the A4 towards Hungerford. Climb a steep hill and look for Savernake Hospital on your right. Another couple of hundred yards (just past some bollards in the middle of the road) turn right into the Grand Avenue (entrance marked by white posts and gate pillars).
You are now on the longest front drive in Britain. Drive for two miles (yes really)…watch out for the vicious speed humps. After the 4th speed bump climb the next rise and take a turning on your right down a gravel road known as Three Oak Hill Drive (see photo). Keep going to the barrier at the end (about 2-3 minutes) – the column is on the left. Meet at 10.30
Directions from elsewhere, queries or to let us know you are coming on the day email Dianne here. Or queries in the event of foul weather tel 0777 5844027.
See also www.savernakeestate.co.uk
|
