The Great Stones Way

First guidebook to the Great Stones Way long-distance route from Barbury Castle (just south of Swindon) to Old Sarum (just north of Salisbury) through the North Wessex Downs AONB, with extensions to start in Swindon and finish in Salisbury and visit the Avebury Ring, Stonehenge and other prehistoric sites. The core 36-mile route described here in six short stages, suitable for a challenging long weekend or a leisurely week, takes walkers on a journey through our prehistoric past heading south from Barbury Castle to Old Sarum, meandering through a diverse landscape from the open chalk downs with far-reaching views across the Vale of Pewsey and Salisbury Plain to tranquil scenes alongside the River Avon. On the way the route visits picturesque villages with historic churches, chocolate-box thatched cottages and cosy pubs. Optional detours clock up an extra 14 miles and take in visits to the stunning prehistoric remains around Avebury and Stonehenge with a final finish at Salisbury's beautiful medieval cathedral.