WALKS IN WILTSHIRE at COOMBE BISSETT (& THE RIVER EBBLE) (4K)

In this episode of my series “Walks in Wiltshire, I take a 5 mile circular walk from Coombe Bissett which is located about 3 miles South West of Salisbury. Once again I am accompanied by my Whippet, Logan.
I parked my car at the Fox & Goose pub (which was to be my final destination) and started off with a wander through Coombe Bissett. Initially heading South, I passed the old Post Office, the old Mill and over the delightful packhorse bridge (that goes over the River Ebble) to the Church of St Michael & All Angels.
I then headed East, past the old school and on to an enchanting ford (the River Ebble again) before heading South, uphill, out of the village.
My route took me through the Coombe Bissett Down Nature Reserve - where dogs must be kept on a lead at all times). At Tottens Down Barn, I left the Reserve and continued along a byway to Grim's Ditch which is right on the Wiltshire / Hampshire border.
At that point, I headed West, past Greenacres Farm, over a minor road & then over the A354 to join up with and ancient track - The Old Blandford Road (Track) that took my North back to coombe Bissett.
My walk finished with soup & beer at The Fox & Goose.
Music by Original Spruce (Copyright owner). Permission for me to use this track has been given to me by the copyright owner. 2022. Tracks (in order of appearance in the video): 1) Pembrokeshire, 2) Open The G, 3) Martin Down, 4) Marching The Moors , 5) Eko Eko, 6) Nicely Stone & 7) No Time For Lillies. (To download these tracks & other music by Original Spruce go to: spruce1.bandca...
Map courtesy of Google Maps.
For further videos in the series, please go to: / @daveford or my website at daveford5966.w...
My Facebook page is: / davescountrysidewalks
I use an INSTA360 ACE PRO Action Camera & a Rode microphone (either a “Shotgun” or a Rode Wireless Go II) together with a Canon Powershot SX530 HS.

[@paullanham1014]

Fantastic, we operate that little airfield, it’s called spire view for obvious reasons! We feel blessed to be in such a beautiful part of the chalk downs. It’s been there for the best part of 40years and it’s lovely to hear such positive comments 😊 next time call in and you may get a spin round the block 😊

[@DaveFord]

Thank you Paul. What a great setting for an airfield. I was so lucky to be able to witness a take off & landing as I was walking by!

[@craigmarsh3221]

Good evening Dave lovely video fantastic scenery great pub that was different to see a small airfield not something you see every day when going for a walk in the countryside great stuff.

[@DaveFord]

Thanks Craig. It was great to get some "taking off" & "landing" footage as well!

[@gregtickle9356]

Thanks for sharing. Love your late winter walks. So informative

[@DaveFord]

Thank you Greg. :)

[@jhnshearn51]

Once again you have stirred another old memory for me Dave, used to stop off at that pub for a few ales on my way back home from watching the motor racing at Thruxton in the late sixties.

[@DaveFord]

They certainly still serve a fine ale!

[@eleanorstraberrylaces2693]

Wonderful winter walk in Wiltshire, thanks Dave & Logan

[@DaveFord]

Thank you Eleanor and indeed thanks for watching.

[@2salukimum]

This was a super toddle, we enjoyed our evening "fix". We must offer our huge CONGRATULATIONS on hitting the 5000 mark. So well deserved. All down to a certain trig point bagging Whippy. Of course ❤

[@DaveFord]

Thank you Helen. Yes, Logan is definitely the star of the channel!

[@MarkCox-z2h]

Congratulations Dave! 5000 subscribers! I hope you marked this milestone with a pint or two of the best Wessex ale. All in the interest of research, of course.

[@DaveFord]

Thank you Mark. Yes indeed - there was a small celebration!

[@cathpeterson1944]

lovely walk in Wiltshire I love those amazing views up on the hills

[@DaveFord]

Thanks Cath. On a bright & sunny day, you can see for miles up on those downs.

[@FlyingDarkLord]

What a great video & amazing to see the airfield I fly from featured in this video! 🥳

[@DaveFord]

Thank you & indeed thanks for watching.

[@bosse641]

Lovely area for walks.

[@DaveFord]

Certainly agree with you John - especially on a sunny & clear day.

[@keithjoseph5671]

Amazing walking tour of the countryside of England with stunning beauty

[@DaveFord]

Thank you Keith.

[@Roamingthecotswolds]

Just discovered your channel and love youd walks. Subscribed.

[@DaveFord]

Thank you & indeed welcome to the channel! I hope that you enjoy the future videos going forward. Thanks for watching.

[@charlesfulcrum3170]

Absolutely wonderful. I’ve driven through there so many times on my way from Blandford to Salisbury, but have never stopped to explore. Thank you.

[@DaveFord]

Thank you Charles. It is a delightful little village to explore for sure.

[@kevinrumsey3756]

Hello, I ran across your video as I was doing some family ancestry research. As far as I can tell, I am a descendent of Sir Walter de Romsey who would have inherited lands at Coombe Bissett with his wife (one of John Bissett's daughters) around 1334. Having been to the UK on study abroad some 15 years ago visiting beautiful english gardens, estates, and historical sites, I do wish to come back someday and stroll the countryside such as you're doing. Thank you for your video.

[@DaveFord]

Thank you. I hope that you do get the opportunity of returning & enjoying some countryside walks in the area. Thanks for watching.

[@piplee1439]

Many Romany’s are buried in the church there …… there are always lots of blooms on the graves.

[@DaveFord]

It is a lovely church.

[@angelanewman5566]

My son-in-law has an Insta camera with which he likes to take what I call 'whirlygig pictures' i.e. 360 degree views captured in a single snapshot. They look quite impressive, but they're not my cup of tea - however, seems to keep him amused!

[@DaveFord]

Oh yes ,I have read about those "360 degree" cameras. Insta 360 have just brought out this new "Ace Pro" Action Camera (the one I showed in the video) as a competitor to both Gopro & DJI. So far, I have been very happy with the Ace Pro - it is more reliable than the Gopro & is so much better in low light conditions.

[@madgardener5820]

What's there not to enjoy about your walks? I go to the nature reserve fairly often. The valley down the bottom between the ridge you were on and the A354 is very peaceful and could be anywhere, I love it down there. I thought I knew the area well but never realised the airstrip was commercial, I thought it was simply a farmer who had a plane. Learn something every day.

[@DaveFord]

Thank you. I must go back there again soon and explore the "bottom" bit of the Nature Reserve - sounds idyllic. Thanks for watching.

[@tobymortimer13]

oh my god i wondered what you were filming up the garden! i was working at the pub the day you came haha

[@DaveFord]

What a lovely pub it is too!

[@stephenlarking2247]

Logan’s stone has a much better ring to it 😁 Thanks for another really enjoyable walk video.

[@DaveFord]

It was the perfect size for him!

[@markshrimpton3138]

That was a walk well earned in the cold. I’m always interested in strange features in the landscape such as that meandering ditch. Whatever the reason for its construction our ancestors went to a lot of effort to build it.

[@DaveFord]

It obviously meant a lot to whoever built it - if only we could travel back in time to find out "Why?"!

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

Another lovely video presentation, Dave. Although we've travelled that road from Salisbury many times to visit my sister in Lyme Regis, we've never stopped and explored the area. The new camera performed well, although it was no better than my gopro 10 inside the church. However, when you were outside in the sunshine, the image was very crisp and sharp, with good definition. I imagine you must be pleased with your new purchase.

[@DaveFord]

Thank you Lionel. Yes, delighted with the Insta360 Ace Pro. The "Zoom" is stronger than the Gopro and - most importantly of all - it has not failed to switch on/ switch off when asked or "freeze" (which used to happen at least once every walk with both my Gopro 7 & Gopro 10).

[@hannureittu4310]

Once more, a great walk. Thanks for sharing!

[@DaveFord]

Thank you Hannu. :)

[@markarnold5593]

A brilliant walk, as always... Lovely to see our local area through a different lens... Thoroughly enjoyable. 🙂

[@DaveFord]

Thank you Mark. There were some super views to be had from the top of Coombe Bissett Down for sure.

[@festivaljapan]

Great Channel. I'm a fan of your channel.

[@DaveFord]

Thank you and indeed thanks for watching.

[@petegreenwood2793]

Lovely walk Dave, many thanks!

[@DaveFord]

Thank you Pete & indeed thanks for watching.

[@jeanblemings5352]

One man and his whippet with very long shadows on a wonderful winter walk! I love those ancient tracks, die straight - possibly an old drove road? Hope you were pleased with the performance of your new camera!

[@DaveFord]

Yes Jean, very pleased with the new camera (Insta360 Ace Pro). Much more reliable than the Gopro (it has yet to let me down ie not failed to turn on or off when required & has not "frozen"). The "low light" image is amazing and it has a better "zoom" capability than the Gopro. The only thing I have to be careful about though, is making sure I hold it at least 50cm away from me as it doesn't quite focus correctly on anything close up (not really a problem for me, as I tend to be less of a "vlogger" and try and show more of the actual walk now). I have already told the "Sussex KZbinrs" that they need to upgrade from their Gopros!

[@jeanblemings5352]

@@DaveFord If ever you appear a bit fuzzy I will know it's the go-pro and not too long in the pub!!

[@alittleworldofmyown67]

Lovely video 😊

[@DaveFord]

Thank you and indeed thanks for watching. :)

[@melissaphillips3088]

Lovely walk and village. Scenery is beautiful. Thanks Dave and Logan! Stay warm. Happy Valentine’s Day( two days late) to you Dave and your family.♥️👏🏻

[@DaveFord]

Thank you Melissa. :)

[@melissaphillips3088]

@@DaveFord sorry Dave (two days late on the Valentine’s Day)😂 Have a wonderful weekend ☀️

[@hm4079]

Hi Dave, yet another great video. I noticed you mention the source of the River Ebble at Alvediston. If you're ever in that location you'll find the grave of ex- Prime Minister Anthony Eden (The Earl of Avon) at the local church. He lived and farmed in the village following his retirement. Hope you find that interesting. Kind regards, Henry

[@DaveFord]

Thank you Henry. Sounds like a good place to add on to my list. Thanks for watching.

[@hm4079]

@@DaveFord Hi Dave, if you do add it to your list please be aware the pub, the Crown, burned down last year and we don't want a disappointed Logan!! However the Queen's Head at Broad Chalke is very nice, with a good selection of crisps, also!! Best wishes Henry

[@DaveFord]

@@hm4079 Thanks for that info Henry. I have researched & prepared a walk from Broad Chalke (which I will be filming this year) .... and it starts & finishes at the Queens Head!

[@matthewwort778]

Hello, Logan (you too Dave). I just discovered your channel, which I am thoroughly enjoying. I have a self serving question/request. My paternal side of the family have been in the greater New Forest/Lymington area for many generations, moving there in the mid 1500’s. I am now live abroad or I’d just go myself to explore, but… I was wondering if any of your videos would visit “Wort’s Gutter” towards the end of Furzey Lane, north of East Boldre, but I think technically in Brockenhurst? Or if you may have any historical information? My assumption is it is possibly named after my ancestors, but was hoping for confirmation by someone more in the know. Any chance you could help?

[@DaveFord]

Thank you Mathew & indeed welcome to the channel. I have crossed the Wort's Gutter in walks in the Hawkhill Inclosure. It flows East and becomes Pennerley Water before joining the River Beaulieu. I have found an article that talks about a Wort's Cottage that has been re-named Odd Ways. The link is here : www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/homes-and-gardens/property/22571634.hampshire-homes-remote-odd-ways-new-forest/

[@matthewwort778]

Thanks for this, any plans to do a video of that area? And am I pushing fate to ask if Peterson’s Tower is in any of your videos?

[@DaveFord]

@@matthewwort778 I mentioned Peterson's tower in my walk at Wilverley Inclosure (at about 18 mins) and also in my walk at Shirley Holms (at about 7 mins). Both walks were filmed some time ago & I was some distance from the tower but i gave a little bit of it's history. No immediate plans for a walk at the Eastern end of the Hawkhill Inclosure but certainly one for the list!

[@matthewwort778]

Thanks yet again. I will slowly make it through all your videos, but will check those out first. My grandfather had a War Buddy who either lived there or was a caretaker there, but my father was lucky to frequent the views from the top of the tower. Have a great day.