Great Stones Way

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Summary: The Great Stones Way is a long distance walking route in Wiltshire which was originated by the Friends of the Ridgeway in 2014. The essence of the walk is to visit or pass close to as many of the prehistoric sites of Wiltshire as possible. There are alternative routes including a central 36 mile walk which can be found on the Friends of the Ridgeway website (link below). What is described here is the longer 46 mile walk from Swindon to Salisbury which visits more Great Stones sites than any other alternative. From Coate Water Country Park in the south of Swindon the route heads in a southerly direction through Chisledon and then alongside the A346 for a short while before turning west and reaching Barbury Castle Country Park. Barbury Castle Iron Age hill fort is crossed before the walk turns south again by following the route of the Ridgeway National Trail across Hackpen Hill and Avebury Down to reach the prehistoric site of timber circles at the Sanctuary. A detour of a circular walk to the Avebury Stone Circles, Silbury Hill and perhaps West Kennet Stone Barrow is an option here. From the Sanctuary the Great Stones Way continues to Walker's Hill and Adam's Grave Long Barrow. Next up is the villages of Alton Barnes and Woodborough before the walk continues to a series of prehistoric structures, namely Broadbury Banks, Charlton Clump and Casterley Camp. Next up is a walk along the river Avon through the villages of Compton, Longstreet, Netheravon and Figheldean to reach the town of Amesbury. More prehistoric structures are visited in this area too. More walking along the Avon continues to Salisbury including a visit to Old Sarum.