WILD Wiltshire Wander | Rediscover Ancient Lands

Walk description:

Avebury Stone Circle is part of the World Heritage Site that comprises a number of key archaeological sites across the Salisbury Plains. Our walk begins right in the heart of the strone cycle, one of the largest in Europe. It is a truly fascinating place dating back to the Neolithic period.

After looking around we will cut north along a clear and easy to follow path onto Monkton Down. Here we will take a closer look at the barrow cemetery that sits atop the outcrop with fantastic views over the plains.

Next we will head south by jumping onto the Ridgeway National Trail. This National Trail follows the route of an ancient trackway described as Britain's oldest road, once used by travellers moving from town to town for trade. The chalky track may be slippery in wet weather, so please ensure you come prepared with good grippy footwear.

Once we reach Overtop Hill, the official starting point of the Ridgeway National Trail, we will carefully cross over the A4 into The Sanctuary, originally a complex circular arrangement of timber posts and standing stones. These components are now indicated by concrete blocks and posts.

Following on, our next point of interest is West Kennet Long Barrow, ‘one of the largest, most impressive and most accessible Neolithic chambered tombs in Britain. Built in around 3650 BC, it was used for a short time as a burial chamber, nearly 50 people being buried here before the chambers were blocked.’ - details from English Heritage who manage the site.

Now onto our final leg back to the car park we will pass by Silbury Hill, an mysterious and astonishingly large man-made mound built over a short period between about 2470 and 2350 BC. From here it is a very short walk back to the car and the car park.

Places are always limited on our walks, so do book on as soon as you can! We require a minimum for 5 bookings for this event to go ahead. 

Walk length: 

9 miles

Date and time: 

Saturday 18th February 2023. Meet at 9:45am, start walking at 10.00am

Start/finish location: 

National Trust Avebury Vsitors Car Park, 1 Beckhampton Rd, Beckhampton, Marlborough SN8 1QT, UK

Pay and display or free for members.

Getting to car park: 

Best to use GoogleMaps for access.

Toilet stops: 

There are toilets near the National Trust Shop in Avebury itself. 111 High St, Avebury, Marlborough SN8 1RF

We will pass these at the beginning of the walk. 

Media:

By signing up to a walk with us you are giving us permission to take photos for promotional use across our website and social media pages. If you specifically do not want media taken with you in it, please do feel able to get in touch. We encourage you to take photos during your walk but ask you to be sensitive to other members. Also, we'd love to have a copy of any you are particularly proud of so we share them too!

Weather:

All of our walks are weather dependant. The weather can play a major role in our enjoyment of a day's walking and in some cases can present a real danger. We always review the weather forecast in detail the days before and will send you an email and text if we have to change any plans. This is however only likely if we feel heading out will put us at real risk. Please check the forecast for yourself and come prepared for whatever the weather! You should come fully kitted out for a full day's hike in the walking area.

Accidents and Incidents:

Abbie and our walk leaders are all qualified first aiders and will always carry an appropriate first aid kit. We will have always created a risk assessment before your event takes place to mitigate any issues that might arise.

Honesty is essential to staying safe. Should you be involved in an accident or become injured during the walk it is important that you notify Abbie or other walk leaders as soon as possible so that appropriate action can be taken. Should you feel unwell or require first aid please let them know. Please use the booking form and the paper disclaimer you will be given on the day as an opportunity to raise anything sich as previous medical issues or injuries that may affect your experience. Abbie is also a qualified and insured Mountain Leader.

By joining this event you understand that:  walking in nature in an outdoor area brings with it a level of risk. You will need to take responsibility for your own actions, health and involvement during the walk and will be expected to exercise judgement based on your fitness levels as to whether you can complete the walk. You will also be expected to abide by any safety instructions and decisions made by Abbie and her team and have a duty to exercise judgement regarding your own personal safety and that of other members of the group. If you choose to ignore safety instructions we cannot be held responsible for the consequences.

By joining this walk you are also acknowledging that you have read our Safeguarding Policy and agree to it.

Any queries please get in touch.

Food and Drink:

We will not be providing any food or drink on this walk except emergency rations. Please ensure you have adequate food and drink for the day. If you have any questions or need any help/advice with what food to bring, please feel able to get in touch.

Dogs:

Well behaved dogs are welcome on this event but they must be kept on a lead at all times and able to work well with other dogs. Please email at time of booking to confirm that you are bringing a dog: admin@spendmoretimeinthewild.co.uk

No Drug and Alcohol Policy:

Spend More Time In The WILD has been set up in order to inspire and motivate followers to head outside for the benefit of mental and physical health. We are committed to providing a safe, healthy and secure space for anyone walking out a journey of freedom from addiction and substance abuse and as such have a strict no drug or alcohol policy on our walks and camping events.

Cancellations:

By Us: In the rare case that we have to cancel an event, you will be notified by email and offered a full refund.

By You: We require 30 days cancellation notice prior to your scheduled arrival, otherwise we will charge you cancellation fee as below.

- 75% of your total amount will be charged if you notify us about your cancellation or any changes by 30 days to 7 days before your scheduled arrival.

- 100% of your total amount will be charged if you do not notify us about your cancellation or any changes within 7 days.

If you have any questions regarding the walk or booking, please get in touch via the 'contact' page. You will be supplied with a contact number for emergency use on the day of the walk in your booking package.