This walking path links Britain’s two greatest prehistoric sites, Avebury and Stonehenge, and is as epic as the Inca Trail

The Great Stones Way is one of those ideas so obvious it seems amazing that no one has thought of it before: a 38-mile walking trail to link England’s two greatest prehistoric sites, Avebury and Stonehenge, crossing a landscape covered with Neolithic monuments.

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The Great Stones Way is a route using existing paths through the Wiltshire Downs, starting just south of Swindon and ending up at Old Sarum, on the outskirts of Salisbury. As long-distance trails go, this one is quite short, making it perfect for an energetic long weekend, or for more leisurely exploration over a week.

What’s the attraction?
Walking the Great Stones Way takes you on a journey through a landscape steeped in history, allowing you to discover the extraordinary sights our ancestors have left us. These include Iron Age hill forts with commanding views such as Barbury Castle and Old Sarum, while optional loops take you past the Neolithic henges and stone circles at the combined UNESCO World Heritage Site of Avebury and Stonehenge. There is also the option to finish the walk at Salisbury’s majestic medieval cathedral. The first part of the trail heads south through the rolling open chalk downland landscape of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

“I can’t help thinking how much better it is to arrive at Stonehenge on foot. The comparison that comes to mind, and which I know well, is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The experience of trekking to both sites is immeasurably richer, not just because you’ve “earned it”, but because both sets of ruins are only properly understood in the context of the sacred landscape that surrounds them.”

Stonehenge Guided Tours is proud to offer a Contours walking holiday following the ‘Great Stones Way’ Please visit our Stonehenge tour website for full details

We also offer  daily Stonehenge guided walking tours throughout the year.

Stonehenge Guided Tours
The Stonrhenge Tour Experts
http://www.StonehengeTours.com

Superhenge’ Found Buried Near Stonehenge
A row of huge stones stood some 4,000 years ago just two miles from Stonehenge, dwarfing the iconic stone circle.

Dubbed “Superhenge,” the site is five times bigger than the iconic stone circle and lies buried three feet beneath a thick, grassy bank at a Stone-Age enclosure known as Durrington Walls. Full story

* This new Half Day tour departs from Bath. Visiting Stonehenge, Durrington Walls, Woodhenge, the newly discovered ‘Superhenge’ and Lacock Village in the Cotswolds *

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We drive through the beautiful Wiltshire countryside to Stonehenge . This amazing monument was first mentioned as one of the wonders of Britain only seventy years after the Norman Conquest. It has aroused awe and curiosity ever since. This is your chance to experience it for yourself. During the journey to Stonehenge your driver guide will give you commentary on the sites we pass and there is also plenty of information for you to browse through. If English is not your first language there are audio presentations at the monument in all major languages

SUPERHENGE

´We also take a look at Durrington Walls where nearly 100 stones 4,500 years old, some measuring 15ft (4.5m) in length, were discovered under 3ft of earth at Durrington Walls using geophysical imaging technology. Experts think it may have surrounded traces of springs and a dry valley leading into the River Avon. Close by is Woodhenge which consisted of six concentric rings of wooden post holes within a bank and ditch, now marked by concrete posts. In the middle of the circle the grave of a three year old girl was found suggesting possible ritual sacrifice. We firmly believe that viewing these other two henges ´complete the circle´ – if you will pardon the pun – and help to show you that Stonehenge is not ´just a bunch of rocks in the middle of nowhere´ !

On a clear day we get a view of the Westbury White Horse.

Lacock National Trust Village

This wonderful village consists of properties which date from the 13th and 18th centuries. It was once a prosperous woollen town but now it seems like a village trapped in time. There has been no major building here in the last 200 years so you really feel as if you’re stepping back into English history.

If you’re interested in film locations Lacock has been used many times. It became the town of Meriton in the BBC production of Pride and Prejudice and more recently Downton Abbey (second episode of final series). The Abbey was also used in the filming of the first two Harry Potter movies. We will take you to Godric’s Hollow, the home of James and Lilly Potter (Harry’s parents) and to professor Horace Slughorn’s house from Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. Other film credits for Lacock include Emma, Moll Flanders, Robin of Sherwood/Robin Hood, Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased), The Mayor of Casterbridge, The Other Boleyn Girl, Cranford, and The Wolfman.

Your fully guided return mini coach tour includes:
Stonehenge Stone Circle
Stonehenge Visitor Centre
Durrington Walls
Woodhenge
Newly discovered Superhenge
Lacock Village
The Cotswolds
Chalk Hill-Figures
Crop Circles (seasonal)

Book this small group tour here

Stonehenge Guided Tours
The Original and Best Stonehenge Tour Operator

10-day exploration of ancient sites from Stonehenge to the Aran Islands.

Across the lush landscapes of England and Ireland lie some of the most important and intriguing prehistoric monuments in the world. In the company of local archaeologists, authors, and historians, uncover the stories of Neolithic and Bronze Age civilizations—and the mysteries of their legacies—as we make our way from Stonehenge to Ireland’s Bend of the Boyne, the Aran Islands, and more. –

National Geographic Trip Highlights

Take an insider’s tour of legendary Stonehenge and its adjacent sites with a local expert.
Explore the boglands of Céide Fields, a 6,000-year-old site excavated by archaeologist Seamus Caulfield.
Delve into the heritage of the Aran Islands with the director of the islands’ college.
Take a walking tour of the Burren National Park with a local author and discover Bronze Age sites amid this otherworldly limestone landscape.

This superb 10 Day Expedition Tour includes:

Avebury and Stonehenge (Day 3)
Step back thousands of years among remarkable megalithic monuments at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Avebury and Stonehenge. At Stonehenge close up
Avebury, stroll around the largest stone circle in the world, excavated in the early 20th century by archaeologist Alexander Keiller. Examine the site’s standing megaliths with a local expert, and examine artifacts found here at the Alexander Keiller Museum. Walk past Silbury Hill, Europe’s largest man-made, prehistoric mound, on the way to the Neolithic chambered tomb at West Kennet Long Barrow, which predates Stonehenge by some 400 years. Then head to legendary Stonehenge for an insider’s tour with local expert Pat Shelley. Visit the adjacent sites of Woodhenge and Durrington Walls, where the site’s builders are believed to have lived, and learn about recent discoveries that have shed light on the mysteries surrounding these sites. –

Learn about prehistoric civilizations with a seasoned archaeologist

2015 Tour departures:
June 06th – 15th
June 13th – 22nd
September 05th – 14th

Mysteries of Prehistoric England and Ireland Tour can be booked direct via the National Geographic Expedition Website

Stonehenge Guided Tours
http://www.StonehengeTours.com

Gain a rare and fascinating insight into the famous World Heritage Site with an exclusive tour around the site led by two English Heritage experts.

We will start the tour with exclusive access to the stone circle at Stonehenge accompanied by our experts. 1-stonehenge-winterThen we will visit key archaeology sites including Durrington Walls, Woodhenge and The Cursus and learn more about the archaeological landscape and investigative work that has taken place in recent years.

Hot drinks and a breakfast roll will be served during the event.

This event has been graded as moderate access. There are many uneven paths and some slopes along the route. This event is not suitable for anyone under 16yrs.

How to Book

Tickets are available from 10am on Tuesday 22nd October by calling the dedicated ticket sales team on 0870 333 1183. (Mon-Fri 8.30am – 5.30pm, Sat 9am – 5pm

Link: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/events/1775100/
Link: http://www.stonehengetours.com/

Stonehenge Tour Guide