Great Stones Way

Summary

The Great Stones Way is a long-distance walking route in Wiltshire originated by the Friends of the Ridgeway in 2014. The essence of the walk is to visit or pass close to as many prehistoric sites in Wiltshire as possible. Alternative routes include a central 36-mile walk available on the Friends of the Ridgeway website. Described here is the longer 46-mile walk from Swindon to Salisbury, which visits more great stone sites than any other alternative. From Coate Water Country Park in the south of Swindon, the route heads south through Chisledon and alongside the A346 briefly before turning west to reach Barbury Castle Country Park. After crossing the Barbury Castle Iron Age hill fort, the walk turns south, following the route of the Ridgeway National Trail across Hackpen Hill and Avebury Down to reach the prehistoric timber circles at the Sanctuary. A detour for a circular walk to the Avebury Stone Circles, Silbury Hill, and West Kennet Long Barrow is optional here. From the Sanctuary, the Great Stones Way continues to Walker’s Hill and Adam’s Grave Long Barrow. Passing through the villages of Alton Barnes and Woodborough, the route continues past prehistoric structures including Broadbury Banks, Charlton Clump, and Casterley Camp. It then follows the River Avon through Compton, Longstreet, Netheravon, and Figheldean to reach Amesbury, where further prehistoric structures are visited, before continuing along the Avon to Salisbury, including a visit to Old Sarum.