Join
Enjoy access to more than 500 places with National Trust membership. Join today and help protect nature, beauty and history – for everyone, for ever.
Lockeridge Dene and Piggledene
Streams of lichen-rich sarsen stones litter the landscape and provide a safe environment for many species of plants, insects and birds.
Lockeridge Lane, Lockeridge, Near Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 4EQ
Opening times for 29 November 2023
Asset Opening time Countryside Dawn - Dusk MTWTFSS3031123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930123OpenPartially openClosedPathways and open spaces with long, tussocky grass and large boulders, uneven ground, steep sides. Stiles at access points.
By road
Lockeridge is south of the A4; from Marlborough take the signed 2nd left hand turn shortly after Fyfield petrol station. The site is on the right hand side of the road on the edge of Lockeridge.Piggledene, lies north of the A4; just after the turning for Lockeridge
Parking: Limited roadside parking at Lockeridge Dene. No parking available at Piggledene.
On foot
Footpaths run from the Ridgeway, East of Avebury, to Piggledene and from West Woods to Lockeridge. South of the A4 local lanes offer attractive walksPiggledene is north of the A4, with a stile on the roadside verge providing foot access to the site
By train
Swindon train station 16 miles and Chippenham train station 17 miles from Lockeridge
By bus
Connect 2 Wiltshire TL3 Marlborough to Devizesstop at the Who'd A Thought It pub and walk 0.5km South for Lockeridge Dene and 1km North to Piggledene
By bicycle
Lockeridge Dene lies on the Sustrans NCN Link route between routes 45 and 403
Lockeridge Lane, Lockeridge, Near Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 4EQ
Highlights
Sarsen stream
Two sheltered valleys, containing well-developed 'boulder streams' of sarsen stones.
Picturesque valleys
The two valleys with their 'boulder streams' are a haven for rare lichens, mosses and wild flowers.
Wildflowers
An abundance of flowers, including orchids, on the banks, and meadow saxifrage between boulders.
Wood pasture
Windblown, lichen covered hawthorns and majestic oak and ash trees are dotted along the bottom of the valleys
Top trails
Trail
Lockeridge Dene walking trail
This circular walk through Lockeridge Dene weaves through woodland and a valley filled with intriguing sarsen boulders, and offers the chance to take in views over the downland.
Places to stay
Fishlock's Cottage
A simple cottage for two, in the heart of Avebury’s prehistoric ramparts and stone circles.
2 High Street
In the centre of Lacock village, this 15th-century cottage is packed full of charm and makes a cosy base for exploring Lacock Abbey and the countryside nearby.
About Lockeridge Dene and Piggledene
Sheltered valleys containing well developed 'boulder streams' of sarsen stones. Sarsen stones are of ecological interest for the lichens and mosses they support as well as geological importance.
The sites were purchased in 1908 following a public appeal and were our first countryside properties in Wiltshire. Prior to this, sarsen stones were removed to provide building materials.
History
Article
History and wildlife at Lockeridge Dene and Piggledene
Explore the ancient sarsen stones at Lockeridge Dene and Piggledene, and the wildlife that relies on them. Look out for the rare White Park cows helping our conservation work.
Support us
Article
Volunteering at Avebury
If you or your workplace are interested in volunteering at Avebury and the Wiltshire landscape, here’s everything you need to know about joining the team.