AVEBURY AND THE RIDGEWAY

It is best to regard this walk as an all-day expedition as there is so much to see and speculate upon. 

Starting point
Sanctuary and Ridgeway car park on the A4. Park on the north side of the A4 (GR 118681)

  •  Return to the road and continue along a track opposite, signed ‘Byway’.

  • As the track bends left, turn right on a clear path to walk along the left-hand side of a field to a lane.

  • Turn left for 70 yards, crossing the River Kennet, then turn right along the left-hand side of a field, following the field boundary round to the left, to a stile next to a field gate onto a lane. Cross the lane and press on ahead on a signed path along a track. This soon leads into a field; continue along the right-hand side of the field to a path junction.

  • To visit West Kennett Long Barrow, turn left here for about quarter of a mile gently uphill, then return to the same spot. (To continue with the route, keep ahead then follow the path as it turns right to the A4).

  • Cross the road and take path 35 yards to the left, signed ‘Avebury 1 mile’, soon walking beside the River Kennet, with a fine view of Silbury Hill. Do not cross the bridge over the river but continue beside it to a road.

  • Turn right for a few yards, the left through a car park to the far right corner. From here follow a surfaced path to the village. Cross a lane and follow a track to the teashop.

  • From the teashop, return to the lane and turn left. Continue ahead at a road junction, passing the Avebury Chapel Centre. The lane ends at Manor Farm. Carry on back along the track, ignoring a track to the right just after the farm, to eventually meet a cross path at the top of the hill.

  • Distance 6 miles, plus half mile optional extension to West Kennett Long Barrow

  • Map OS Explorer 157 Marlborough and Savernake Forest Starting point Sanctuary and Ridgeway car park on the A4. Park on the north side of the A4 (GR 118681)

  • How to get there The car park is signed on the A4 Marlborough to Calne road, about 3.5 miles west of Marlborough

  • Teashop The Circle Restaurant at Avebury has a light and modern interior and several tables outside overlooking a pleasant grassed area with a pond. It is open throughout the year from 10am to 5.30 (3.30pm in winter). Tel: 01672 539250.