Start of Hill Climb to Figsbury RingDescription: Figsbury Ring to Pitton Down, returning to Winterbournes via Hurdcott.
Duration: 42 minutes steady pace
Starting out on Figsbury Road, head under the railway bridge and up Figsbury Hill. Warning - sometimes there are baby pigs loose on this track, tasty morsels for hungry dogs! At the top of Figsbury Hill head towards the far left exit (you can go clockwise or anti-clockwise around the rings. Exit through the gate and head down the track towards the A343. Taking great care, cross this road and after 100 yards turn right onto the bridle way and up the hill to Pitton Hill. At the crossroads (just after the tree section, take a right through the gate and head down the hill. At this point and on a clear day you will have an amazing view of Salisbury and the surrounding valley. I love this view! Sometimes when I run down here in high spirits and on top form I almost feel as if I am flying. Flying like an eagle soaring high in the sky!
Feet back on the ground.... head down the hill to the bottom and through the gate, cross the road and straight through the next gate. Continue on this path until the end and then exit the gate. Stop immediately at the busy road (A343 again) and cross carefully, taking an immediate right, and straight down the bridle way. Follow this path to its end. Warning - be very careful of the overhanging bramble bushes. I recently had one rip me badly across my nose and face, causing much bleeding. I still carry the scars!!
At the end (after the railway bridge) cross the road (A338) and straight down Hurdcott lane. Follow this road to its end (stables on the right) and take a right through the gate and up the footpath to the right of the barn. At the top go through the gate and immediate right. You are now on the pavement beside the A338, continue on this pavement for about 1/4 mile, looking out for the Church on the right hand side. Cross the road and take the first right after the Church. You are now back on Figsbury Road.
