For those who venture onto Salisbury Plain, few are left unmoved by the expanse of wilderness that just seems to disappear into far blue yonder.

However, most of us only get to see this landscape from a moving vehicle and with numerous warning signs and red flags, most feel the Plain is out of bounds - the idea of coming across unexploded ordinance enough to keep us in our cars and away from danger.

But surprisingly, the Plain is very accessible on foot, with designated public footpaths, particularly in the eastern section of the Training Area where rights of way remain open - even during military exercises.

Further west, the Imber Trail follows the edge of the Imber Firing Range Danger Area and is clearly marked with waymarkers, following established paths and trackways.

The 48km (30m) circular route, which takes the walker around the Imber Live Firing Range, affords some spectacular views across the Plain and beyond.

An MOD booklet describes the walk in more detail and is also available at its website.

Access to the 'ghost' village of Imber, now used for military training, remains restricted, but during Bank Holidays (including the Easter Holiday week) the road through the village is open to the public and the site becomes a popular place of pilgrimage for those keen to see the setting of this, the loneliest village in Wiltshire. (Click here for details of events during the Easter weekend)

For those who are prepared to check the maps, watch out for the waymarked routes and abide by the regulations, exploring the wilderness of Salisbury Plain brings some wonderful rewards.

Rare species of butterfly, including the Adonis Blue and Brown Hairstreak thrive in this habitat, while ten percent of the UK's Stone Curlew population can be found on Salisbury Plain.

Ancient burial mounds, tumuli, Iron Age hillforts, chalk carvings and battlefields are among the diverse historical sites to be discovered.

Away from the chalk valleys, villages and towns, the Plain is a huge, open landscape, where the sky seems to compete for attention with vast swathes of grassland that stretch as far as the eye can see.

So, if you're looking for the big picture this summer, take a trip to Salisbury Plain - but don't forget to keep an eye on restrictions as you enjoy the view!