River Bourne

The River Bourne rises in the chalk uplands of the Vale of Pewsey, just south of Burbage. It flows south for about forty-eight kilometres through Wiltshire to meet the Salisbury Avon near Salisbury. In its upper course the river is a winterbourne, often dry during summer months. The Bourne cuts through the chalk escarpment at Collingbourne Kingston. It then crosses Salisbury Plain, passing the town of Tidworth and the village of Shipton Bellinger. Further south it passes a string of Bourne Valley villages: Cholderton, Newton Tony, Allington, Boscombe, Idmiston, Porton, Gomeldon, Winterbourne Gunner, Winterbourne Dauntsey, Winterbourne Earls and Hurdcott. After Ford and Laverstock the river reaches the Avon in the eastern outskirts of Salisbury. The Bourne’s clear chalk streams and quiet valley paths draw walkers and naturalists. Its changing flow from winterbourne to permanent stream marks the seasons across the plain.