Discover Redlynch: Paths, Woodland and Local History

Redlynch combines experiences in nature with an unusually diverse local history. Those planning a trip involving walks, landscape views and cultural discoveries will find a range of options here for structuring their days. When choosing your holiday apartment, it is therefore particularly important to decide whether you would like to focus on paths through woodland and countryside, historical traces, or a combination of both.

Woodland and paths around Redlynch

Langley Wood is an extensive area of ancient oak woodland at the northern tip of the New Forest. Footpath 9 begins in Black Lane and leads through the Langley Wood National Nature Reserve. The path therefore takes you through a landscape characterised by ancient oak woodland and through a nature reserve.

Other paths offer different perspectives. After leaving Sandy Lane, Footpath 15 runs along the edge of Grove Copse. From Footpath 27, there are views across Morgan’s Vale towards Salisbury and the Downs above Downton. Footpath 10 connects Goggs Lane with Grove Lane, while Footpath 28 begins via an access point from Slab Lane and forms part of the Avon Valley Footpath. Those who would like to combine different landscape impressions can take these route descriptions into account when planning their own itinerary.

Routes with different levels of difficulty

The walks described also have noticeable differences. The Hale & Woodgreen walk is described as a moderately challenging hike with several short steep climbs, gates, a footbridge and twelve cattle grids. It also passes St Mary’s Church and then follows the River Avon. This information helps you match the route to your preferred level of fitness for the day and your travel plans.

Bridleway 21 extends a route running through Redlynch via Quavey Well. It is described as a possible section of an old salt-trading route from Pennington and Lymington. This historical classification remains a possibility; at the same time, it makes the path interesting for travellers who would like to combine the countryside with local history.

Local history between church and crafts

The Church of St Mary is a Grade II listed building. The Butts also reflects various historical layers: in the Middle Ages, the site was used as an archery practice ground and is also a small burial mound or ancient burial ground. Some maps list it under the name Templeman’s Tump.

Redlynch’s history is also evident in traditional trades. By 1700, lace-making had become a cottage industry. Broom-making continued as a local trade until the Second World War. Brickworks on the western side of Kiln Road and south of Hart Hill produced high-quality bricks for the fine houses built in Downton in the 18th century. Newhouse is a country house dating from around 1619, built by William Stockman, and was extended for the Eyres family in the 18th century.

The Redlynch & District Local History Society holds an annual exhibition at which materials relating to local history are displayed and made accessible to those interested. This allows you to plan a stay not only around paths and landscapes, but also around crafts, buildings and local traditions.

Choose a suitable holiday apartment for your travel plans

When looking for accommodation in Redlynch, it is worth first deciding on the rhythm you want for your trip. For nature-focused days, Footpath 9 through the Langley Wood National Nature Reserve could be the main focus; you can also include paths along the edge of Grove Copse or the Avon Valley Footpath. If you prefer cultural discoveries, you can plan Church of St Mary, The Butts, Newhouse and local history as separate highlights. A holiday apartment in Redlynch can therefore serve as the starting point for very different travel plans, without requiring you to commit to just one type of experience.

More places to search

If you would like to expand your accommodation search to other places, here are some additional destinations: Potterne, Crudwell, Staverton, Whiteparish, Trowbridge, Calne, Christian Malford and Market Lavington.

For the overview of the wider travel area: Wiltshire.