Wiltshire

Stonehenge King's view circular walk

Sheep grazing at New King Barrows, Stonehenge Landscape — Sheep grazing at New King Barrows | © National Trust Images/John Miller

This walk explores the chalk downland at the heart of the Stonehenge World Heritage Site. From Bronze Age burial mounds to ceremonial pathways, Britain's most famous prehistoric landscape is crammed with globally important archaeology, as well as beautiful vistas. There's also an array of flora and fauna to look out for, including hares, deer, birds, butterflies and orchids.

Near to

Stonehenge Landscape

Start point

Stonehenge, grid ref SU121423

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 3.0 (km: 4.8)

Duration2 hours

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
Stonehenge, grid ref SU1224842195
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.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome on the walk but must be kept on a lead and under control as livestock graze the fields and there are ground-nesting birds. The National Trust has recently created dog-free zones in all fields in the Stonehenge landscape that are grazed by sheep and where there is permissive access. Please look out for signs on gates.
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: 9
Total stages: 9
Start point
Stonehenge, grid ref SU121423
Stage 1
From Stonehenge, cross the byway to the north-west and go through the gate into the field. Head right and walk towards the burial mounds on the horizon.
Stage 2
When you reach the Cursus Barrows, go through the pedestrian gate. After reading the information panel, leave through the pedestrian gate opposite the one you came in at and turn right, walking towards the byway again.
Stage 3
Go through the gate and follow the byway left, away from Stonehenge.
Stage 4
Take a right into the field at the next available gate. Look to your right for a striking view of the stone circle. You have now joined the Stonehenge Cursus. Continue walking downhill along the route of the Cursus.
View of Stonehenge in autumn, Wiltshire | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey
Stage 5
Go through the gate at the bottom of the valley and head uphill keeping the fence line with the conifers on your left.
Stage 6
At the end of the field, go through the gate. Read the information panel to find out about the long barrow that lies hidden here. Continue on to a crossroads of paths and turn right along the bridleway.
Stage 7
Continue along the bridleway. At the next junction, turn right through a gate and follow the grassy bridleway ahead. Continue following it until you reach a line of ancient beech trees at New King Barrows, where there's another fine view of Stonehenge and its surroundings.
Stage 8
Retrace your steps until you reach the pedestrian gate on your left and enter the field. You are now following the course of the Stonehenge Avenue. Head in the direction of the Cursus Barrows. In the valley, known as Stonehenge Bottom, pass through the gate and walk towards the next information panel.
Stage 9
Stay left of the panel and head in the direction of Stonehenge. As you walk uphill you'll be able to see the banks and ditches of the Avenue leading towards the Stones. You are truly walking in the footsteps of our ancestors as they would have processed along the Avenue. End your walk by taking a right turn and heading back to Stonehenge.
End point
Stonehenge, grid ref SU121423
Trail map
A King's View | © The King's view walk at Stonehenge, Wiltshire
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A curving tree-lined bank on the edge of a field with sheep grazing at Durrington Walls, Stonehenge Landscape, Wiltshire

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A curving bank in a field at Durrington Walls, Stonehenge Landscape, Wiltshire

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