The Devenish

What it’s like

A free woodland nature reserve with dens to play in and a steep climb up to views over Salisbury.

Kids can duck into the dens dotted through the woods here, and that's really the whole game plan. There's no entry fee and no booking, so it's the sort of place you can just turn up to on a free afternoon and let the path decide how long you stay.

The climb to the top is the bit worth saving your energy for. It's steep, and the site is upfront that it's not one for pushchairs or wheelchairs, so if you've got a baby you're carrying rather than wheeling, it works better than if you're pushing a buggy. Ash tree removal has left some paths uneven too, so proper boots are a better shout than trainers, especially after rain.

Parking's free on site, and if you're cycling in, National Cycle Network Route 45 runs right past the reserve. It's also close enough to walk from central Salisbury if you fancy making a day of it. Dogs are welcome on a lead, though they ask you to keep them close if you pass a school group, since not everyone visiting is a dog person.

Most people treat it as a half-day walk rather than a quick stop. There's no food on site that we can tell you about.

Facilities

Need to know

Best for

Kids who can walk the steep bit themselves, not buggy age

Parking

Free car park on site. Drive directions provided

How long to allow

Woodland walk to the top offers spectacular views

Dogs

On a lead

Getting there by bus or train

National Cycle Network Route 45 runs past reserve

• No booking needed unless you're bringing a group along
• Free car park on site
• National Cycle Network Route 45 passes right by if you're cycling in
• Pack your own food and water, there's a proper climb involved

Plan your visit

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