Historic walkway opening is a step towards normality

Credit: Visit Wiltshire

Salisbury is a unique city steeped in history with an array of the most wonderful postcard-perfect vistas.
Right on our doorstep we have the ancient World Heritage Site of Stonehenge, Salisbury Cathedral in its tranquil walled setting, and the Water Meadows so infamously immortalised by John Constable to name just three that spring to my mind.
Of course the renowned view captured by Constable can be seen from the Town Path which runs from West Harnham to Queen Elizabeth Gardens and on any given day we can view this scene and be part of the city’s living history.
As a child my friends and I would walk our dogs from Broken Bridges in Lower Bemerton, play Pooh sticks, continue to the Old Mill, have a paddle in the river then complete the circuit over picturesque Town Path.
Years later and as a young adult I lived next to The Old Mill Hotel and would use Town Path as my daily walking commute to work.
It never ceases to amaze me how beautiful it is - one feels you are in the middle of the countryside with grazing animals and the trickle of water as you follow the river bank and look at the iconic view of Salisbury Cathedral in the distance.
It was therefore such good news to hear last week that that this historic walkway had reopened and that access to the city centre is now without detours and barriers - it highlights a step forward towards normality and a very welcome one.
There is no doubt that the city needs footfall from both local people and visitors.
It will inevitably take time and tenacity to rebuild the city and attract locals and visitors that have been recently deterred from coming here.
The most recent incident was unexpected and one that will, in time, also become part of Salisbury’s history.
I am confident we will do this, as why wouldn’t we want to share our glorious history, our countryside and the magic that surrounds and emanates from our amazing city.