Old Sarum Circular Walk
Wiltshire
Old Sarum rises on a chalk hill just north of Salisbury, an Iron Age hillfort later refortified by the Romans, Saxons and Normans, and English Heritage allows a dog off the lead on the outer bailey under close control, though sheep are sometimes turned out to graze there. The Normans raised a motte and bailey castle inside its ramparts, and from 1092 the first Salisbury Cathedral stood within the outer bailey until the site was abandoned for the water meadows below and a new cathedral begun at New Sarum in the 1220s. This 5.6km circular walk follows the grassy crown of the huge outer ramparts, on chalky paths that turn steep and slippery after rain, before looping back around the outer bailey with views over Salisbury Plain and the cathedral spire below. There are no stiles, but a steep wooden bridge crosses the ditch near the entrance.
This is a dog friendly walk, and English Heritage lets dogs go off the lead on the outer bailey under close control, though sheep are sometimes turned out to graze the outer rings, so keep a lead handy. Inside the inner earthworks and castle ruins, dogs should stay on a lead. There is no shade or water on the exposed ramparts, but water bowls sit by the shop, and dog bins line the outer bailey and car park. Rabbit holes pit the grassy banks throughout, so watch your dog's footing near the steep edges. The shop and toilets are at the entrance, and Salisbury's cafes and pubs are a short drive away.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 5.6 km (3.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 1 hr 50 min
- Walk Type
- Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Accessible toilets and a shop (steps only) at the entrance; no cafe on site, but Salisbury has plenty nearby.
- Parking
- Old Sarum car park, English Heritage, free for members, small charge for other visitors.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Old Sarum Circular Walk, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in WiltshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Old Sarum Circular Walk dog friendly?
Yes, it scores 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. English Heritage allows dogs off the lead on the outer bailey under close control, and the site has dog bins and water bowls. The score reflects the lead rule inside the inner earthworks and castle, occasional sheep grazing on the outer rings, and the lack of shade or water on the exposed ramparts.
Can dogs be off lead at Old Sarum Circular Walk?
On the outer bailey, yes, provided your dog is under close control and comes back reliably when called. English Heritage asks for dogs to be kept on a lead inside the inner earthworks and around the castle ruins, where the ground is more confined and other visitors are closer. Sheep are sometimes grazed on the outer rings, so watch ahead and clip on if you see them.
What should I know before visiting Old Sarum Circular Walk with my dog?
The chalky paths on the ramparts become slippery in wet weather, and a steep wooden bridge crosses the entrance ditch. Rabbit holes pit the grassy banks, so keep watch on uneven ground. There is no water or shade on the hill, so carry some for your dog. The shop is only reachable by steps, but accessible toilets are available, and Salisbury's pubs and cafes are a short drive away.
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