Hi y'all!
Last years I visited the SPTA several times. For me, as an helicopter enthusiast, it is like heaven! Some time ago Iwan asked me for some more information about how to get there. As more people may want to visit this area, I thought I could share this information. It really is a B-E-A-utiful scenery to shoot in!
How to get there?
The Salisbury Plain Training Area (SPTA) is a large training area for all UK defense components. The first time I visited this place, I drove my car on a active site (opposite to land that I will discribe below). This turned out to be an active training village, where (practice) ammunition was shot around. I was kindly requested to drive away...QUICKLY .
The place where you should be is the crossing of Chitterne Road with Road Shrewton (on B390) ( coordinates: +51° 11' 23.69", -1° 58' 18.62"). Coming from the East to the West, thus driving from Chitterne Road toward Shrewton Road you get to the first tank crossing. Keep on driving and follow the road untill you cross the second tankcrossing. Turn right, into the tankcrossig (towards the mentioned training village) park the car in the grass, on the righthand side you'll find there is enough space.
Then you cross the road to the 'climb' towards the SPTA. You'll find several hills behind each other, note; the road is winding a bit. In the distance you'll eventually see several signs standing in a row, on a hill side. This is the 'active airstrip'. When arrived on top of the hill, and nothing flies in the circuit, you are allowed to cross the strip. This way you will have the sun in the back. Note; stand inbetween the signs on the other side and wear a high-vis jacket: safety first folks! Enjoy your stay
To make it more clear, I made a map covering the area:
I made this video a while ago, it gives an impression of the area
And some photo-impressions:
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Hope to see your pics soon
Regards,
Sven van Roij