A Wessex Walk

1 departure

12 August 2023

Book your trip

1 day

From $105

Activity Level:

Summary

The Serpent, the Barber-Surgeon & the Marmalade Millionaire

The great stone circle at Avebury inspired the 18th Century antiquarian William Stukeley, to pronounce: ‘It does as much exceed in greatness the so renowned Stonehenge as a Cathedral doeth a parish church’. In terms of size and present day setting we may still agree. This is a chance to walk among the great Neolithic monuments of Wessex - marvelling at the skill, ambition and sheer determination of the people who built them.

The lines of stones at Avebury, the massive long barrows and the imposing rise of Silbury Hill dominate our perceptions of the Neolithic landscapes of Wessex. Mark Corney will introduce the latest excavations and research projects which attempt to uncover more, not only about the monuments themselves but the landscape in which they reside.

Tour highlights:

Avebury’s vast Neolithic Stone Circle and Silbury Hill, the largest prehistoric mound in Europe
Led by an expert who has spent over 20 years studying and working to protect the unique archaeology of Wessex
Home-made packed lunch provided

Book Now

Your Departure date

Today's Price
$105

Book your trip

Meet your Experts

Mark Corney

Andante Guide Lecturer

Mark Corney is an Archaeologist, broadcaster and former Senior Landscape Investigator with the Royal Commission for Historic Monuments of England.

View full bio

Your itinerary

Study Day -

Meeting time / place
10:00 at the main Avebury car park, SN8 1RD

If you are a National Trust or English Heritage member the car park is free otherwise its £7.00.

Please also note on the walk there will be no toilets until later in the afternoon.

The Day

From the edge of the great Avebury stone circle we walk towards Silbury Hill and the source of the River Kennet, thence to the magnificent chambered tomb of West Kennet long barrow. From here we follow the course of the River Kennet to the Ridgway and stop at the Sanctuary on Overton Hill with views across Fyfield Down. From the Sanctuary we walk along the West Kennet Avenue and into the stone circle at Avebury. We explore the stone circle and finish the day by visiting the late Ango-Saxon church of St James before returning to the car park. The walk is around 7 miles in total.

End time / place
17:00 back at Avebury

Lunch
A homemade packed lunch will be provided, this will need to be carried in your rucksacks at the start of the day.