Sunday 16 March 2014

16/03/14 - Saving £29.80

Distance - 7.3 Miles
Walk Inspiration
Caches - 5

Stonehenge at EveryTrail


Another beautiful day.  The sun streams into our room at the Old Mill in Salisbury.  A full English Breakfast to build up the strength for today's walk and a short ten mile drive to Amesbury.

The Parking is town is free on a Sunday.  Right next to the impressive church.

Amesbury Church
Another pretty church
The start of the walk is a bit disappointing, as it is all roads.  There is good news and bad news.  This is where the only caches for the day are located.  But we are being followed by four muggles and a dog.  I get what I can on the way out and save the rest for the way back.

We say goodbye to our stalkers as they turn down a path marked for Stonehenge that is not shown on the OS Map.  We continue up to the A303 and turn down the path at Stonehenge Cottages for a pleasant walk next to the Old and New King Barrows.  Sonia shouts at me to look left for my first glimpse.

First sight of Stone Henge
Stonehenge - Not Small, Far Away
Its an easy circuit of the perimeter.  Eyes are constantly drawn to the Stone Circle.  Occasional notice boards tell you more about the history - including the Cursus - a man made 3km earthworks that is our handrail towards the main attraction.

Walking the Curcus
Cursus to the Left
Eventually we get to the stones.  We see the carts dragging in far eastern and American tourists.  We wonder how close we can get.  The sign says that it is £14.90 to enter.  Each.

Fortunately, there is a permissive path that gets you almost as close to the stones.  We are canny tourists.  Armed with a map, a GPS, short arms and deep pockets.

Stonehenge
Rich suckers on the other side of the fence
Retrace our steps and back to cross the busy A303.  This really is taking your life in your owns hands.  Real life frogger.

The paths back to Amesbury are fine.  All chalk and flint, with the promise of some interesting diversions.

We are unsure
We were almost tempted to leave our planned route and investigate

Saying bye to the henge
A last goodbye to the Henge
The county-side gives way to a road.  Wiltshire is making a claim for the prettiest county.

West Amesbury
Just a street in West Amesbury
Snaffle up the caches that I had to avoid on my way out and we return to the village.  We cannot make our mind up between the cakeshop and the pub. 

As with many pubs in this area, the pub sold cake.

Everyone has been a winner.

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