River Avon -Somerley
July 2020
This 5.5 mile route takes you across the Somerley Estate Nature Reserve along a beautiful stretch of the River Avon, through woodland and back down the valley to to retrace the stretch along the river. There are opportunities to shorten or lengthen the route to suite your needs.
On the A338 take the turning over Ibsley Bridge (Grid ref SU 149 096, w3w.co/fewer.hunter.meal) and park on the gravel lay-by just over the bridge.
1.
Head through the gate into the SSSI/nature reserve. The Somerley Estate ask that dogs be kept under close control through the nature reserve. Swimming is also prohibited, however, the views of the river and its valley are fantastic.
This stretch has been restored to enhance habitats for wildlife and in summer has numerous butterflies and rich water fauna and flora. This stretch follows part of the Avon Valley Path long distance route.
Follow the path across the valley and over the footbridge onto the gravel track.
2.
Keep straight on past the Old School House on the left (now a home) and thatched cottage on the right. Follow the footpath into the woods.
3.
Continue over the road and over the footbridge until your reach Plumley Farm.
4.
Here the path has been diverted along the gravel track to the left to avoid the gravel extraction area. Take this diversion.
5.
Just past the bridge over the conveyor belt is a gravel track to the right, signposted to North Plumley Farm. Follow this until you reach the farmhouse.
6.
Continue on past the farmhouse and through the woods. Keep straight on through the woods until you meet the road.
7.
Go straight across the road, following the lane through Bleak Hill, past two footpaths on the left. Take the path on the right into the woods then across fields.
8.
When you eventually reach the road, turn left and walk until you rejoin the Avon Valley Path on the RIGHT. Walk across these fields until you rejoin the gravel tack at Harbridge Farm. Turn left and follow the Avon Valley Path back to the start point.
