Wiltshire: A Walk Along the River Wylye

2 mile walk from St Nicholas’ Church, Fisherton de la Mere to Wylye (approx. 1 – 1.5 hours) A level, easy to follow walk along the River Wylye from Fisherton de la Mere to the quaint village of Wylye with pretty thatched cottages, village shop and post office, pub and Church of St. Mary.

Please note footpath can be very muddy in winter after wet weather, so wellies are advised!

  1. Starting at St Nicholas’ Church (free audio guide for which can be found here) walk out of the churchyard through the gate onto the grassy parking area (on the left when exiting the Church, not down the steps).  Turn right onto the road and follow the road downhill.  In less than 100 yards there is a small opening on the left in the hedge (before reaching Fisherton Mill, pictured left).
  2. Take this left turn and follow the footpath along the River Wylye.  The River Wylye is one of the five rivers of Salisbury, and merges with the River Nadder at Wilton, and the River Avon at Salisbury.  The River Wylye is one of the best chalk streams in England and a popular fly-fishing spot for wild brown trout and grayling.  Rich in wildlife, you may be lucky enough to spot a kingfisher or an otter.
  3. After walking under the dual carriageway, in less than 200 yards you reach the road in Wylye.  Turn right and cross the road to the footpath on the other side.
  4. Follow the footpath into the village, passing the pub, church and village shop on your left.  The Bell Inn (pictured left) is a 14th century coaching Inn, one of the oldest in Wiltshire and is a nice place to break for coffee, lunch or a beer of course!  The shop and post office are open every morning.
  5. Take the left-hand fork and when you reach the red phone box and Old Chapel (pictured left) on your right, follow the road round to the left into Fore Street.
  6. Walk along Fore Street passing the thatched cottages (pictured left), made from traditional chalk block, flint and rubble stone.  Some of these date from the 15th century.
  7. When you reach the junction with Dinton Road and the sign for the level crossing on your right, turn left down Sheepwash Lane and follow the path round to the left back to the Church of St. Mary the Virgin.  This is the parish church for Wylye and also Fisherton de la Mere.  
  8. At the end of the road turn right, walking back past the pub on your right, to the footpath on the other side of the bridge.
  9. Cross over and follow the footpath back along the river to Fisherton de la Mere.  When you reach the end of the footpath, turn right and walk back up the hill to the grassy parking area outside St Nicolas’ Church.  You can also turn left to explore the small village of Fisherton de la Mere.  Before reaching the red post box in the wall of a stone cottage on the right, you can follow the footpath across the green to the steps between the cottages to return to the churchyard.

Thanks to volunteer Joanna Weaver for documenting this walk.