Allington and Boscombe Loop

This easy loop explores the Bourne valley around Allington and Boscombe on a route of 7.3 km / 4.5 mi with 91 m / 299 ft of ascent and descent. Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours for the circuit. The walk mixes partially paved stretches with field and village paths, making it a good short outing for families, dog walkers and anyone after a gentle run or walk beside the river.

The route

Starting from Wyndham Lane in Allington, the loop heads out through the valley landscape before circling back by way of Boscombe. The highest point reaches 109 m / 357 ft, so the climbing is modest, with the route rising away from the river meadows onto slightly higher ground before dropping back into the village. Expect a mix of quieter lanes, partially paved sections and rural paths, with the River Bourne helping shape the lower parts of the walk.

Getting there

The start is in Allington, a village on the A338 between Salisbury and Amesbury. Bus services in the Bourne valley connect Salisbury with Allington, so the walk can be reached without a car, while drivers can approach easily from the main road through the village. Parking is limited in small villages like this, so care is needed to avoid blocking lanes or access points around Wyndham Lane.

Highlights along the way

A big part of the appeal here is the Bourne valley setting. Allington and Boscombe both sit on the River Bourne, and Boscombe is especially closely tied to the watercourse, with the river winding through the village. The route’s riverside character, open meadows and gentle chalk downland give this short loop a distinctly rural feel despite its easy distance.

History and landscape

Allington lies in the Bourne valley and Boscombe became part of the parish in 1934. The surrounding landscape is shaped by chalk downland falling to the river, with meadows beside the water and higher open ground above. In Boscombe, St Andrew’s Church stands as one of the village’s historic landmarks, reflecting the long settlement history along this valley route.

Terrain and preparation

This is an easy route, but the mix of paved and unpaved ground means footwear with decent grip is still useful, especially after wet weather when field paths can soften. Dogs are welcome, and the short distance makes the loop manageable for a relaxed family outing. As the walk passes through working countryside and small villages, walkers should keep to signed paths, leave gates as found and be considerate around livestock and residents.