Great Stones Way

by: Steve Davison
This long distance path through the Wiltshire Downs from Barbury Castle (south of Swindon) to Old Sarum (north of Salisbury) is a history trail to top all history trails. The Great Stones Way opened in 2014 and in 36 miles passes England's most important prehistoric sites, including Avebury and Stonehenge.

The guidebook includes extensions to the original Trail as follows:
An extension at the start from Coate Water, Swindon.
An extension at the end from Old Sarum to take in Salisbury's magnificent medieval cathedral.
An alternative extension via Avebury to visit the Avebury Ring Stone Circle. The path links with the Ridgeway National Trail at Avebury.
An alternative diversion to visit Stonehenge.
Including the extensions, the guide covers up to 53 miles in total.

The route strides across downs with wide ranging views and meanders beside the tranquil River Avon, taking in picture-perfect villages, churches and cosy pubs. Described here in 6 stages, it's perfect for an energetic long weekend or a leisurely week, with good transport links at either end. The guide includes optional detours which take the route distance up to 53 miles.

The six stages are:
Stage 1 Coate Water to Barbury Castle - the official start - 7 miles
Stage 2 Barbury Castle to Overton Hill - 6.5 miles
Stage 3 Overton Hill to Casterley Camp - 11.75 miles
Stage 4 Casterley Camp to Netheravon - 5.25 miles
Stage 5 Netheravon to Great Durnford - 8.75 miles
Stage 6 Great Durnford to Old Sarum (or Salisbury) - 4.25 or 6.5 miles

Each walk entry begins with a fact-file panel giving start and finish locations, distance, ascent, time, maps, refreshment options and public transport. This is followed by an overview box describing the main features of the stage. Clear route finding instructions are supported by Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 scale map extracts. An introductory chapter provides details of history, geology and nature, planning your walk, getting to and from the Way, when to walk, where to stay, food and drink and way marking. The book is illustrated with numerous colour photographs.

For an outline map of the route click the link below the 'Add to Cart' button

ISBN 9781852849115 Pages 74 (2016) 116mm x 172mm