Avebury, Marlborough & The Ridgeway Walk

A Weekend in Ancient Britain This long weekend is a walking break that takes you into the heart of one of the most important areas in Europe for its evidence of early civilization. The walk begins in Marlborough, a beautiful old town with a remarkably wide main street flanked by impressive examples of well-preserved 17th, 18th, and 19th century domestic architecture. You will walk across the Wessex downs to Avebury, world famous for its rings of standing stones and nearby Silbury Hill, possibly the largest man-made hill in the world. From Avebury, enjoy an exhilarating walk along the Ridgeway to the handsome villages of Southend and Ogbourne St. George.

Itinerary

Day 1:

Arrive in the handsome small town of Marlborough. King Henry III was married here and held Parliament here in 1267. Legend has it that the great wizard, Merlin, is buried here and the town's motto is 'Where now are the bones of wise Merlin.' Overnight in Marlborough.

Day 2:

Walk from Marlborough to Avebury. You'll walk out of the town, along racecourse gallops up onto the Downs, where in general there is good, firm walking. You will pass into Fyfield Down National Nature Reserve, littered with the sarsen stones of the type used at Avebury, many covered in rare mosses and lichens. Then, down into magical Avebury with its celebrated neolithic stone circles. Overnight in Avebury.

6 miles.

Day 3:

From Avebury, there are a number of ways to walk up onto the Ridgeway, but the most straightforward is to retrace your steps to the ridge-top and then change direction towards Ogbourne St. George. The Ridgeway is often said to be the 'oldest street in Britain,' an ancient path across England that dates back 5000 years. You will pass the Iron Age hillfort at Barbury on your way to the charming villages of Southend and Ogbourne St. George. Overnight in Ogbourne St. George.

9 miles.

Day 4:

Departure. Buses run between Ogbourne St. George and Marlborough if required. Further days along the Ridgeway can also be arranged.

Price:

£350.00.00 per person based on two people sharing.

Single supplement on request

Practical Information:

ACCOMMODATION:

A selection of carefully chosen B&B's or Inns – all rooms with private bathrooms. Upgrades are possible and it is possible to mix and match the accommodation if you wish – please ask us.

WHAT TO TAKE

Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), rucksack/day pack, 1 x water bottle with 1 litre capacity, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sun block/cream, compass, torch, first-aid kit

WHEN TO GO

Mid-April to mid-September. Accommodation will be difficult to obtain on UK national holidays unless booked well in advance (and may require an alteration to the programme).

GETTING THERE:

The nearest airports would be London airports, Birmingham or Bristol.

Rail: nearest stations are Swindon or Pewsey (both around 10 miles from Marlborough)

Bus: regular busses from Swindon and from London.

Local bus timetables and maps

INCLUDED:

Three nights accommodation in good quality inns and hotels with breakfast, luggage transfers, maps and route notes.

NOT INCLUDED:

Lunches, dinners, drinks, insurance, anything not mentioned in programme.

INSURANCE

We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason.