Nestled in the heart of rural Wiltshire is an ancient Neolithic henge containing three stone circles, one of which is the largest megalithic stone circles in the world. This isn’t Stonehenge, however. It’s the lesser-known but equally impressive Avebury Henge.
With the summer solstice happening this weekend (21 June), I (Foot Trails Storyteller Emma) thought it the perfect time to head over to Avebury and explore the stones. This vast Neolithic complex is unique in that it contains within its perimeter a village with its own pub – the only pub in the world to be located inside an ancient stone circle!
From my start point I walked past the village cricket pitch where a match was taking place. After stopping to watch a few balls being bowled I continued to the village and entered through the wooden gates that lead to the stones.
I always enjoy wandering the stones of Avebury. There’s a real sense of peace and quiet as you walk between these megaliths, and something very special about being able to walk right up to them as our ancestors would have done over 4,000 years ago when they are thought to have been erected.
What I particularly love about Avebury is the surrounding countryside. The stones are set within the to the stones, you’re rewarded by the view of rolling green fields stretching off to the horizon under Wiltshire’s big skies.
I continued on my way through the fields of stones and up to a group of beech trees said to have been the inspiration for JRR Tolkien’s talking Ents in the Lord of the Rings. I don’t know if this is true or just another legend associated with this site, but it’s certainly a lovely spot to sit for a while under the rustling leaves on a sunny day.
If you’d like to explore some of the Neolithic treasures of South West England, simply visit our website or send us an email to find out more about our guided hikes in Stonehenge and the surrounding countryside.
You can watch a video of Emma’s walk around Avebury on our YouTube channel and also see other highlights of our walks in South West England there.
