Day 12 - Pitton to North Dinton

The route (all links open in a new window)
Start point: White Hill Farm Caravan Park
w3w: ///sounds.mornings.variances
Accompanying video

Today started with a wake-up call from the local wildlife at the White Hill Farm Caravan Park. When I booked the campsite I was hoping it would be fairly quiet and it was. I had a neighbour with a dog that was on a hair-trigger when it came to barking at horses but it was a big softy of a dog that just wanted to be part of the fun. As with most campsites, the mood was one of calm and an early night was very easy to come by. I needed the sleep. The previous few days had exhausted me so I was very grateful for being able to sleep.

I had one issue - my stuff sack that I thought would double up as a pillow once inflated did not hold air very well so I kept waking with a stiff neck and having to blow the makeshift pillow back up. I ended up stuffing every piece of clothing into the stuff sack and using that as a pillow instead which seemed to work quite well.

I was up, showered, fed, packed up, and on the road before 8am. My plan being to stop many times and allow my painful ankles to rest. The downside of doing this is a short distance day can start to feel like a never-ending day. I think that is why I like to just get things done. Kicking my metaphorical heels does not come naturally to me but I knew it was for the best, at least for today.

From the campsite it was a steep downhill (which had been a steep uphill the night before!) into the tiny village of Pitton. A nice little village on the eastern outskirts of Salisbury. I often think these tiny outlying places have a lot to offer. I don't relish busy places but I like having them nearby. Pitton has those attributes. It was a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment going through Pitton. I felt like I was almost immediately into cool, calming woodlands. There was a single track that was arrow straight through the woods, probably a remnant roman road. I took a short break and spent the time sending the drone up to see above the canopy.

360 beautiful countryside from above woodland east of Pitton.

It is always good getting a visual from way up there. I'm glad I brought the drone but it would turn out today was the last day I could use it due to airspace restrictions. Not to worry though, I also got a great view of Clarendon Palace, or at least the remains of it. If you look closely there were llama patrolling the grounds too. Of all the history that this place has endured, if it could speak and tell its tale, it brings a smile to my face knowing it would have to include llama in its story.

The 'sleeping beauty' remains of Clarendon Palace.

I'm glad I stopped to take these ruins in. It meant I had to do at least a little research on them. This was once a very important building frequented by Kings and Queens. It is worth having a read of the wiki entry and this Salisbury Journal offering. I think it is important to retain such places. School visits would bring this history to life I am sure.

Pushing on I arrived in Milford which is quite a large town (it might be a city). My feet were starting to hurt a lot again. The pounding of the tarmac and concrete streets was not doing me any favours. A few painkillers were required. I found a public bench alongside a busy road. Not the best spot to stop but stop I did. Shoes and socks were removed and painkillers taken. Another 20 minutes stopped and I was back on with my walk. I was, however, struggling! I was very glad that today was due to only be 16 miles.

After escaping the town and finding my way back into the calming surroundings of nature. I found I could push the aches and pains to one side a lot easier. I find the cacophony of noise in built-up areas is almost overwhelming some times.

Tonights stop, north of Dinton was an unexpected surprise. It is a tiny campsite called Marshwood farm camping. It is small but has really great facilities. I full kitchen with utensils and an 'honesty tuck shop'. There were great views and you're nestled amongst, but sectioned off from, the farm animals (sheep mainly). I got myself set up and started eyeing the comfort food at the tuck shop. I realised I was so tired because I had been operating on a calorie deficit which is not ideal when one is pushing themselves to certain limits of endurance! I spent some money wisely on noodles, weetabix, chocolate, milk, plus some other bits and pieces. I could almost feel myself coming back to life!

At night time there is near zero light pollution so I think I'll return here one day to get some astro photography done. I might even indulge in one of the superb bell tents that sleep 4 persons. Well worth it if you are in a group at £90 a night (prices right at the time of writing).

My night was spent in my little one man Terra Nova (pitch price was £25 and worth every penny). This time I had a pillow system that worked. I wok only to use the amenities once but that was long enough to marvel at the night time beauty of the sky. Having taken in as much as I could, I crawled back into my tent and drifted off to a deep and peaceful sleep...