Secrets of the Stonehenge Landscape
Archaeologist's highlight "Building the 1.7 mile long banks and ditches of the Stonehenge Cursus would be no mean feat today. But to do it using nothing but stone tools and antler picks speaks volumes for the powerful beliefs and sheer determination of our ancient ancestors."
Along the way
The famous stone circle is just one part of the enormous ceremonial landscape on Salisbury Plain, development of which started more than 5000 years ago. The National Trust manages 827 hectares of downland and hundreds of ancient monuments to keep this place special for everyone. The landscape contains the densest concentration of round barrows in Britain, some of which you will visit on the walk. A National Trust programme has returned ploughed fields back to chalk grassland and the cattle and sheep grazing helps to ensure a wonderful wild flower display in spring and summer. Please note: Only assistance dogs are allowed on this walk. See www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stonehenge-landscape for more information.
Map
Start:
500m east of Stonehenge visitor centre
1
Approximately 500m east of the visitor centre is a pedestrian gate on the north side of the road at grid reference SU 1060 4285, go through this and head to the gap in the trees towards a gate on the west end of the Cursus.
2
At the west end of the Cursus go through the pedestrian gate and take some time to read the information panel and enjoy the views. Then head along the woodland fence line to your right until you reach a pedestrian gate.
3
Enter Fargo Woodland through the gate and head along the wood chip path. Look out for a large Bronze Age burial mound on your right known as the Monarch of the Plain. As this barrow comes into view take the path leading to the left.
4
Take the left turning and follow the path until it comes to a lovely open area within the woodland surrounding another Bronze Age barrow, this offers great views across the Stonehenge landscape.
5
Make your way around the barrow and rejoin the wood chip path heading right. You have now reached the Fargo Woodland information point. This is a good place to get your bearings, admire the view and take in some of the features of the landscape.
6
Exit via either of the gates and head for the group of barrows in front of you. Keep to the left of the barrow group and look for a pedestrian gate on the fence line to your left. Once at the barrows go through the pedestrian gate to explore the barrows and read the information panel.
7
Leave through the pedestrian gate opposite the one you came through and head south in the direction of Stonehenge. If you have a ticket from the visitor centre then head to the stone circle.
8
When you are ready head south along the byway and look for a kissing gate on your right. Enter into the field through the gate and walk in a westerly direction parallel with the fence and away from the stone circle.
9
This field is a great place to spot hares. It is one of the many areas that we have taken out of the plough and restored to chalk grassland to protect the archaeology and benefit wildlife.
10
Once in Fargo Woodland turn left and head along the wood chip path with the fence line on your left. You will eventually see the Monarch of the Plain burial mound again. Keep to the left of the mound and head straight on until you reach a pedestrian gate. Go through the gate and head back towards the gate at Step 1.
End:
500m east of Stonehenge visitor centre