Avebury Sanctuary stroll
Enjoy the beautiful views over the Kennet Valley on this slightly hilly walk covering the area around The Sanctuary ancient monument.
Look out for red kites, kestrels and comma butterflies. Grade of walk: Trainer (all rounder); Type of walk: 'Historical Footsteps', 'Beautiful Views'.
Map
Start:
Lay-by next to The Sanctuary, grid ref: SU118681
1
Park in the lay-by next to The Sanctuary. Head south down the by-way, with The Sanctuary on your right, passing one of the Seven Round Barrows on your left. Look to the right for a view down the Kennet Valley, to see Silbury Hill and the Landsdown Monument. After 327yd (300m), the main track bears left, where you can turn right onto an adjoining footpath.
Barrows, hills and monuments
Bronze Age barrows were built nearly 4,000 years ago for the burial of the dead all around Avebury. You will pass one that is part of the Overton Hill barrow cemetery. Silbury Hill, the largest prehistoric man-made mound in Europe, is prominent in views to the west. Its construction was started around 4,400 years ago and completed within 100 years. Its original purpose is still debated. Further beyond is West Kennet Long Barrow, built between 3700 and 3600BC. Also visible on the skyline is the Lansdowne Monument at Cherhill - a relative newcomer in this ancient landscape and built in 1845.
2
Carry on along the bottom edge of the field. Notice the ancient dovecote on the other side of the River Kennet. When you reach a quiet country lane, turn right and walk up the road.
Red kites
Increasing numbers of red kite (Milvus milvus) have been seen in this area. Wiped out in England by the 1880s, with only six pairs left in the whole of the UK by 1989, their near extinction was mainly due to persecution by land owners who believed kites preyed upon livestock and game. However, they are actually carrion feeders - the waste disposal systems of the countryside. A reintroduction programme has seen their population grow to more than 700 pairs in England alone. They are easily identified by their forked tails and white patches on their wings.
3
After 327yd (300m) there is a gate and stile on the right (If you pass the dog hotel you have gone too far). Walk up the hill through a meadow and follow the route of the prehistoric West Kennet Avenue. Climb over the stile and back into The Sanctuary.
The Sanctuary
Approaching the brow of the hill you will cross a stile into The Sanctuary. About 4,500 years ago, this site was a series of timber posts arranged in concentric circles. A double stone circle was subsequently erected that was twice the diameter of the timber monument. The processional West Kennet Avenue runs from here to Avebury Henge, 1.6 miles (2.6km) to the north-west.
4
We hope that you really enjoyed this one-mile walk. The National Trust looks after some of the most spectacular areas of countryside for the enjoyment of all. We need your support to help us continue our work to cherish the countryside and provide access to our beautiful and refreshing landscapes. To find out more about how you too can help our work as a volunteer, member or donor please visit our homepage.
End:
Lay-by next to The Sanctuary, grid ref: SU118681
