TRAIL

Walking

GRADE

Easy

DISTANCE

3.5 miles (5.6km)

TIME

Around 2 hours

OS MAP

Landranger 184:Explorer 130

Contact01980 664780

stonehenge@nationaltrust.org.uk

FacilitiesAt English Heritage's visitorcentre there are toilets, parking,a cafe, a museum and a shop. National Trust members havefree entry to the visitor centreand free parking but need tobook in advance through theEnglish Heritage website.

http://nationaltrust.org.uk/walks

In partnership with

A kings viewThis walk explores chalkdownland at the heart of theStonehenge World Heritage Site.From Bronze Age burial moundsto ancient ceremonial pathways,the landscape surroundingBritain's most famous prehistoricmonument is full of intriguingarchaeology. There's also afantastic array of wildlife to lookout for all year round. Pleaseemail us for more details.

TerrainThis circular trail follows hard tracks and gently sloping downs. Surfaces can be uneven, with potholesor long tussocky grass. Dogs welcome on a lead under control as sheep and cattle graze the fields andthere are ground nesting birds present.

Things to see

Stonehenge

The famous Stone Circle is justone part of a complex ceremoniallandscape on Salisbury Plain.This developed over the course of2,000 years, during the Neolithicand the Bronze Age - startingmore than 5,000 years ago.

Grassland Restoration

We have restored the chalkgrassland around Stonehengeafter many years of intensivefarming. As you walk alongKing Barrow Ridge keep aneye out for colourful wildflowerdisplays in summer, that attractbutterflies such as the MarbledWhite (pictured). Sheep andcattle grazing helps to keep thegrasslands rich in wildlife.

King Barrow Ridge

Many of the oldest barrows inthe Stonehenge World HeritageSite stand along King BarrowRidge. A line of 200-year-oldbeech trees make impressiveviewing all year. Keep an eye outfor Great Spotted, and Green,woodpeckers.

Start/endStart: You can start this circularwalk at any pointEnd: You can start this circularwalk at any point

How to get there

NOTE: Stonehenge Landscapehas many access points. If youare planning to visit and park atthe visitor centre please notethat National Trust membersare free of charge for both entryand parking but you must pre-book your place, you can dothis on the English Heritagewebsite. You can start this walkat any point.

By road: 2 miles west ofAmesbury. If heading forthe English Heritage visitorcentre, turn off from the A360 atAirman's Corner.

By bus: To reach the EnglishHeritage visitor centre takethe Stonehenge Tour Busdeparting from Salisbury railand bus stations.

By bike: Stonehenge can bereached from Salisbury andAvebury on Sustrans route 45.See Sustrans.org.uk.

http://nationaltrust.org.uk/walks

1. From the bridleway opposite Stonehenge, go through the pedestrian gate into a grass field. Headright and walk towards the barrow mounds on the horizon

2. Once at the barrows go through the pedestrian gate. After exploring the barrows leave through thepedestrian gate opposite the one you came and then turn right and walk towards the trackway again.

3. Go through the gate and follow the byway left, away from Stonehenge.

4. Take a right into the field from the byway at the next available gate; look south for a striking view ofthe Stone Circle. Continue downhill along the route of the Cursus.

5. Go through the gate at the valley bottom and head uphill keeping the fence line with conifers onyour left.

6. At the end of the field go through the gate and walk towards an information panel. Continue to acrossroads of paths and turn right along the bridleway.

7. At the next junction, turn right through a gate and follow the grassy bridleway ahead. Follow thetrack around until you reach a line of ancient beech trees at New King Barrows for a fine view ofStonehenge and its surroundings. A great place to stop for a picnic and read the information panel.

8. Retrace your steps to the pedestrian gate on your left and enter the field. Now follow the courseof the Avenue, heading in the direction of the Cursus Barrows. In the valley, known as StonehengeBottom, pass through the gate and walk towards the next information panel.

9. From here, stay left of the panel and head in the direction of Stonehenge. As you ascend theslope you will be able to see the ditches of the Avenue leading towards the Stones. End your walk byreturning to Stonehenge.