General:- This walk is easy to
follow and all but the section between Waypoints 14 to 15 runs on well
maintained track or quiet roads. Consequently it is relatively free of mud in
the winter. There is a long steep hill up from Waypoint 3, luckily, its impact
can be softened by frequent stops to admire the wonderful view. There is nothing
to fear from the army training area and those who expect to see world war 3 in
progress will be disappointed.
The road coming in from the right at Waypoint
6 is all that remains of the road to Imber village. Imber was
was catapulted into martyrdom in 1963 when public footpaths were closed to
allow military training without endangering the public.
. Even in the Cold War
era this was barely acceptable, nowadays it is unthinkable. The debate over
whether the army should use the Plain goes on. The army say they need it for
regular troop training and claim lack of public
access has allowed much wildlife to exist unmolested. The cynical wonder how
this can be true if the area is in constant use for warfare. On this walk you
will see sufficient to make up your own mind on the issue of more frequent
access to the Plain for the public. (GPS length 6.16
miles)
How to get there:- On the B3098 from
Westbury. As you enter Edington turn left at ST 9269 5308 soon after a footpath
sign on the right that says "The Plain". Park at the church.
On the B3098 from Devizes. As you enter Edington you will pass the Lamb Inn on
the right, take the next right junction. This leads down to the church. Park at the church.
