Beginning in the heart of Avebury, the Waden Hill circuit takes in some of the Neolithic monuments that make up this ancient and intriguing landscape. Along the walk, we will see the famous Avebury stone circle, stone avenue and the largest artificial mound in Europe, Silbury Hill.
The stone circles and henge at Avebury are a marvel of prehistoric Britain, built between 2850 BC and 2200 BC. The henge survives as a huge circular bank and ditch, within which is the largest stone circle in Britain. Across the landscape, there are many other Neolithic and Bronze Age ceremonial sites, including Silbury Hill. Together with Stonehenge, Avebury and its surroundings are a World Heritage Site.
Led by an experienced volunteer guide, the walk will be at a medium pace, with stops to explain the landscape’s fascinating history and archaeology. Please bring water and wear suitable footwear.
Walk leader/organisation: National Trust Volunteer
Walk Information
- Booking: £8 (bookings should be made directly through the National Trust using the Book Now button below) – Booking essential – 25 places
- Distance & approximate duration: 3 miles (5 km) – 2.5 hours
- Difficulty: Fairly easy (some gentle inclines, steps/stiles).
- Accessibility: Suitable for older children (12+). Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult (see useful information). Steps/stiles on the route. Not suitable for wheelchairs.
- Dogs: Dogs on leads welcome
- Refreshments: Bring snacks and drinks as needed. There are refreshments available at the National Trust’s Circles Restaurant, next to the meeting point.
- Toilets: There are public toilets (including disabled toilets and changing facilities) next to the meeting point.
- Meeting point: Visitor Reception, Great Barn, Old Farmyard, Avebury, SN8 1RF. What3Words: wreck.travels.sway. OS grid reference: SU 100 700.
- Public transport: You can get to Avebury by bus from Calne, Swindon, Marlborough and Devizes, see Wiltshire Council journey planners.
- Parking: Please park at the main National Trust car park in Avebury, located to the south-west of the village on the A4361; postcode: SN8 1RD. What3Words: pats.lizard.backhand. Car parking is free for National Trust and English Heritage members.
For general booking information, health and safety advice, terms and conditions please see our useful information page.
Further Information
From 22 April until 11 June, there will be a free exhibition in the Barn featuring paintings of standing stones from Avebury and beyond by artist Tony Galuidi. Walkers will be able to enjoy ‘Sentinels of Stone’ before or after the walk.
This walk is also taking place on the 29th April and 16th September, along with another walk, East of Avebury, in May and July. For details, see the National Trust.
For information about Avebury see the National Trust and English Heritage websites.
For more information about the walk partner, see National Trust.
This walk is brought to you by our partner:
