Chickengrove Bottom

The name alone stops you in your tracks. Chickengrove Bottom is one of those gloriously daft British place names that actually exists, nestled in the rolling downland between Salisbury and the Chalke Valley. It's not a tourist attraction in the conventional sense - there's no visitor centre or gift shop - but rather a small hamlet and a proper excuse for a walk through some of Wiltshire's best countryside.

What you're really doing here is exploring the chalk valleys that make this part of the county so distinctive. The landscape is open and spacious, with dry valleys cutting through the downs and footpaths that let you wander for hours without seeing much beyond sheep and skyline. The walk from nearby Salisbury takes you through some lovely terrain, though it's worth noting the paths can get muddy after rain.

It appeals to walkers far more than casual visitors - this isn't somewhere you'd pop to for an afternoon if you're not inclined to get your boots on. But if you're staying at Chalke Valley Camping just 2.4 miles away, it's absolutely worth including in your explorations of the valley. The real draw is the walking country itself rather than any specific feature. Go for the landscape, the peace, and the satisfaction of saying you've been to Chickengrove Bottom. Budget a couple of hours minimum, longer if you're planning a proper circular walk from Salisbury.