Wiltshire

Secrets of the Stonehenge landscape walk

This walk explores some of the lesser-known features of the Stonehenge landscape but also has great views of the stone circle itself. Within Fargo Woodland there are numerous Bronze Age burial mounds, including the large Monarch of the Plain. There’s also the chance to spot a rich array of wildlife, from birds and butterflies to hares.

Near to

Stonehenge Landscape

Start point

500m east of the Stonehenge visitor centre, grid ref SU 10523 42797

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 2.0 (km: 3.2)

Duration1 hour 15 mins to 1 hour 45 mins

Dog friendly***

*The route is on hard tracks and gently sloping downs. For further details, see Terrain section.
**Includes uphill and donwnhill parts and uneven ground. For further details, see Access section.
***Dogs must be kept on a lead. Be aware of dog-free zones. For further details, see Facilities section.

Address
Winterbourne Stoke, Wiltshire, SP3 4DX
Directions via Google Maps
On foot
Stonehenge Down is 2 miles (3.2km) from Amesbury. There are several walking routes along byways and bridleways, either across Countess Farm or Coneybury Hill. Larkhill is 1 mile (1.6km) away across bridleways.
Durrington Walls is 3/4 mile (1.2km) from Durrington and 1.5 miles (2.4km) from Amesbury, along small roads and bridleways.
From Amesbury, you can use the underpass to cross the A303 roundabout, then use the pavements along the A345 (Countess Road). Next to Woodhenge, the old A345 still exists, running parallel to the current road, where you can safely walk along the grass verge near the top end of the roundabout.
By bus
Buses run from Salisbury train station to the Stonehenge visitor centre.
To reach the landscape from Amesbury, take the Activ8 or X5 buses.
Check website for further details
Cycling
Cycling is a great way to get to the Stonehenge Landscape with some wonderful views along the way. Just keep to the byways and bridleways.
National Cycle Route 45 runs from Salisbury up the Woodford Valley to Amesbury, east of National Trust land at Stonehenge. It then travels north to Marlborough and Swindon.
Visit the Sustrans website for more details
By train
Salisbury train station is 9 miles (14km) from Stonehenge.
By road
To reach the Stonehenge visitor centre car park (not National Trust), drive west along the A303 and exit towards Devizes at Long Barrow roundabout. At Airman's Corner, take the third exit and the Stonehenge car park is on your right.
Postcode for satnav: SP3 4DX.
Assistance dogs only
Only assistance dogs are allowed on this walk. There is no access for dog walkers to fields with sheep on National Trust land in the Stonehenge Landscape.
Car park
There is an English Heritage car park at the Stonehenge visitors centre. National Trust members can park for free with a pre-booked ticket. There's a charge for non-members. There is limited free parking at Woodhenge car park.
Toilet
There are toilets at the Stonehenge visitor centre (English Heritage).
Café
There is a café at the Stonehenge visitor centre (English Heritage).
Picnic area
A visitor shuttle service from the Stonehenge visitor centre includes an optional stop at Fargo Woodland, which is a great place to explore and enjoy a picnic. It's less than a mile from Stonehenge.
Audio guide
A Stone Circle audio guide is available for ticket holders.
Guided tour
Landscape guided walks, family events and workshops take place throughout the year. Please contact us before you visit.
Total stages: 10
Total stages: 10
Start point
500m east of the Stonehenge visitor centre, grid ref SU 10523 42797
Stage 1
Approximately 500m east of the visitor centre on the north side of the road is a pedestrian gate at grid reference SU10604285. Go through this and head towards the gap in the trees and a gate at the west end of the Cursus.
Stage 2
Go through the gate, taking some time to read the information panel and enjoy the views. Then follow the woodland fence line to your right until you reach another gate.
Stage 3
Enter Fargo Woodland through the gate and head along the woodchip 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.
Stage 4
Follow the path until you reach an open area within the woodland and another Bronze Age barrow.
Stage 5
Make your way around the barrow and rejoin the woodchip path heading right. You’ve 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.
Stage 6
Leave the area via either of the gates and head towards the group of barrows in front of you. Keep to the left of the barrows and look for a gate on the fence line to your left. Go through the gate to explore the barrows and read the information panel.
Stage 7
Leave through the gate opposite the one you came through and head south in the direction of Stonehenge. If you have a ticket from the visitor centre, head to the stone circle.
Stage 8
When you’re ready, head south along the byway and look for a kissing gate on your right. Go through the gate into the field and walk in a westerly direction, parallel with the fence and away from the stone circle.
Stage 9
This field is a great place to spot hares. It’s one of the many areas that we have restored to chalk grassland to protect the archaeology and benefit wildlife.
Stage 10
Once in Fargo Woodland, turn left and head along the woodchip path with the fence line on your left. You’ll eventually arrive back at the Monarch of the Plain burial mound. Keep to the left of the mound and carry straight on until you reach a gate. Go through the gate and head back towards the gate at Step 1.
End point
500m east of the Stonehenge visitor centre, grid ref SU 10523 42797
Trail map
The Secrets of the Stonehenge Landscape walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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