The stone circle at Avebury in Wiltshire is one of the most important prehistoric sights in this region. But there are more interesting sights and great views in this area as well. Here’s the best walk around Avebury, Wiltshire that takes in some of the amazing history of this area.
Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means if you click on the link and make a purchase, I’ll get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please note that all sales are processed by the linked website, not Rays of Adventure, so you’ll be subject to their privacy policy.
What to take to walk around Avebury
To enjoy the best walk around Avebury, Wiltshire, it’s best to be prepared for a full day out. Check the weather forecast before your trip so you can be prepared and have everything you need in your backpack.
If it’s going to be sunny, make sure you take plenty of sun cream and water, as there isn’t much shade on this walk. If it’s going to be rainy, make sure you take a waterproof coat, good walking boots and an extra layer in case it gets cooler. There are options to buy something for lunch around the Avebury stone circle, but I always like to take my own picnic so I can eat whenever I’m ready.
It’s also important to make sure you’ve got a map with you, so you don’t get lost. I’d recommend this Wiltshire walking guide (affiliate). Walk 11 is a great walk around Avebury and the surrounding area, and there’s a map included as well.
Where to park
I’d recommend parking at Silbury Hill. It’s owned by English Heritage and is just £2 to park all day, with no closing time. The car park usually has plenty of space. It’s signposted just off the main road and is right next to the instantly recognisable Silbury Hill.
Another option is to park at the National Trust car park in Avebury. You can find the information about it here. However, I’m not keen on this option. It gets really busy, it costs £7 for a day, and it closes at 5pm so you need to make sure you’re back in time. The only advantage to this car park is that it’s right next to the Avebury Stone Circle and village, so it’s convenient if you just want to visit those. But if you want to walk around the area, the Silbury Hill Car Park is much better.
1. Start the walk at Silbury Hill
If you’ve parked at the Silbury Hill Car Park, then take some time to check out Silbury Hill first. It’s the largest artificial mound in Europe, at around 39m high. And it dates back to around 2400BC. However, no one really knows what it was built for. It’s amazing to think of something so big being built so long ago, and I wish we knew more about it.
You can’t walk right up to Silbury Hill anymore because it needs to be protected. But you can still get great views of it as you walk around. There are some information boards as well so you can learn more about the history.
2. Walk to Avebury Stone Circle
From Silbury Hill, take the well-signposted White Horse Trail to Avebury. It’s only about a 20 minute walk and fairly flat. Just be aware that the path can get muddy after rain. There are some nice views across the fields on this part of the walk.
Avebury Stone Circle is a highlight of this walk. Avebury stone circle is the largest stone circle in the world, and dates back to the Neolithic period at around 2700 – 1700BC. Like Silbury Hill, we still don’t really know why it was built. And it’s amazing to think of people constructing it with these massive stones without any modern machinery.
You can walk right up to the stones in Avebury and even touch them. Avebury is a less famous than nearby Stonehenge, and a lot less restricted. Make sure you take some time to walk around the stone circle and think about the amazing history here.
3. Head up to the Ridgeway
After visiting the stone circle at Avebury, you can follow the path up to the Ridgeway to continue your walk. The Ridgeway is another historical site in this area, being a historical long distance footpath. The walk to the Ridgeway begins on a quiet road up to Manor Farm, then becomes a well-marked track. There are lovely views of the nearby fields.
When I last did this walk, there was a crop circle in one of the fields adjacent to the footpath which was really interesting to explore. If you want to see beautiful golden fields, make sure you do this walk in August.
You can walk along the Wessex Ridgeway until it joins the Ridgeway. Then follow the Ridgeway South West. After crossing the main A4 road, turn right to follow the footpath West to head back towards Silbury Hill.
4. West Kennet Long Barrow
Finish off the best walk around Avebury, Wiltshire, with a trip to West Kennett Long Barrow. Just before you get to Silbury Hill you can take a short detour up to West Kennet Long Barrow. It’s a fairly steep walk uphill, but definitely worth it when you get to the top. This was one of my favourite parts of the walk.
The stone tomb dates back to around 3700BC, and it’s the largest burial chamber in England. There are some huge stones across the front, but you can go inside. It was really fascinating to be able to go inside.
5. Final views of Silbury Hill
As you walk back down the hill from West Kennett Long Barrow, you’re rewarded with beautiful views over the Wiltshire countryside to Silbury Hill. Views like this just make me remember why I love living in this part of the UK, and why I love doing walks in this area.
Enjoy the best walk around Avebury, Wiltshire! Remember to get this walking guide ready for your trip (affiliate). If you’d like to do some more walks in Wiltshire, check out my guide to these weekend walks in Wiltshire. Or head over to nearby Oxfordshire or the Cotswolds to enjoy more of the beautiful countryside.
