Stonehenge Heritage Walk
18 people attending
7 places left
This late afternoon walk, timed to be a few days after the summer Solstice, explores the heart of the Stonehenge World Heritage Site, the world famous landscape from the Bronze Age barrows to the First World War military railway track. Please note we are not going in the visitor centre and we will not be going into the close proximity of the stone circle which requires payment of the entrance fee. You could of course arrive some hours earlier and visit these, which will give you a better insight into the walk. To arrange an early meet-up with other members leave a message below.
# No Dogs please - Dogs are not allowed on parts of the access land we will be using.
Details of the walk from various sources inc National trust, Wikipedia, etc:
We begin by seeing "Durrington Walls"
> At the centre of Durrington Walls you will be standing in the biggest complete henge in Britain. (A henge is a Neolithic earthwork. It has a ring bank and ditch, with the ditch inside the bank. They are not thought to be defensive).
The walk continues along 'The Avenue'
> The Avenue is a linear feature providing a formal approach to Stonehenge and linking it with the River Avon at West Amesbury. The Avenue is constructed to maintain the axis of the monument for a distance of 560m in a north east direction.
We then approach Stonehenge itself, getting to within about 200m.
>Stonehenge was built about 5,000 years ago during the Neolithic period (New Stone Age) and is one of the most impressive stone circles of its time.
Crossing the busy A303 we come to Normanton Down
>The Normanton Down group is a large collection of barrows 1km south of Stonehenge and is thought to be one of the most important Neolithic and Bronze Age barrow cemeteries in the country. It consists of three long barrows, a mortuary enclosure and nearly forty round barrows
Heading back we pass The Cursus
>The Cursus is a huge, rectangular earthwork enclosure. At 1.75 miles (2.8km) long it's one of the largest of its kind. Pre-dating Stonehenge by around 500 years, its ceremonial or ritual use remains a mystery. It may have been used for processions.
What to bring
For your comfort and safety please be prepared for the anticipated weather and the terrain of the walk - keep in mind the following:
Boots: . Cross trainers may suffice in good weather on this route.
Socks: Proper walking socks keep your feet dry, and help prevent blisters.
Walking Trousers: (ideally water resistant) will be more comfortable than Jeans if it is raining. shorts are likely to be best on this walk
Waterproof Over-Trousers: essential in any significant rainfall. Breathable ones are best.
Layered clothing: allows you to quickly adapt to changes in the weather as well as body temperature. E.g. a base layer or a cotton T-Shirt; a mid layer like a micro fleece, or a rugby type thick shirt, it can be cool and windy on Salisbury plain
Waterproof Jacket: essential if rain is forecast.
Hat: essential to prevent sunburn and heatstroke.
Small Rucksack: One that is comfortable to wear is essential so that you can use your arms freely. Place valuables in water proof bags inside.
Sunglasses: comfortable sunglasses enhance your pleasure and keep insects out of the eye
Water: one can loose a litre or more of fluid by perspiration. If you fail to make this up you'll get dehydrated which can lead to headaches and other problems. A hydration bladder is easier to use than bottled water, but higher maintenance.
Food: a packed lunch will be required In addition carry energy bars or similar to counter 'sugar lows'.
Medicines: If you have allergies, are diabetic, or have minor ailments don't forget these!
Food & drink
This is a late afternoon walk - bring alight snack to keep you going. Afterwards there will be the option to go on for a drink and an early evening meal in nearby Amesbury, if there's enough demand.