An Introduction to The Sarsen Way

The Sarsen Way starts at Coate Water Park in Swindon and heads south to Barbury Castle’s Iron Age earthworks, before following the Ridgeway for a time. It offers an optional loop to explore prehistoric sites around Avebury. After crossing the Vale of Pewsey, meeting up with the Kennet and Avon Canal for a time, the route heads to the edge of the Salisbury Plain before following the River Avon Valley to end at Salisbury Cathedral. There are optional loops to explore the prehistoric sites around Avebury, Durrington and Stonehenge.

The Sarsen Way is 79km (49 miles) in total, with several optional detours making a maximum length of 95.2km (59 miles).

How difficult is the Sarsen Way?

The Sarsen Way passes over comparatively gentle terrain, with each stage having less than 260m of ascent. This makes it suitable for most ages and abilities. However, the trail can be muddy in winter, and there are some road crossings and sections along quiet country roads and lanes that require extra care.

How many days are needed to complete the route?

The trail takes around 4 days to complete, although it can be made shorter or longer depending on your timeframe and fitness.

When is the best time to go?

The walk can be undertaken at any time of the year, although walking between early spring and the end of autumn offers the chance of more settled weather and better walking conditions.

The Sarsen Way follows normal rights of way with standard waymarking and has also been waymarked using the official trail logo. However, it is recommended that walkers carry the relevant Ordnance Survey Explorer maps too.

Is the Sarsen Way part of the Ridgeway National Trail?

Yes, part of the Sarsen Way is along the Ridgeway National Trail. The Sarsen Way, developed by The Friends of The Ridgeway, follows parts of three existing long-distance routes: the Ridgeway from Barbury, the White Horse Trail, and the Pewsey Avon Trail. The Sarsen Way is also part of the Great Chalk Way, which consists of several distinct long-distance paths, including the Ridgeway National Trail, the Peddars Way National Trail, the Icknield Way, and the Wessex Ridgeway.

What will I see along The Sarsen Way?

The Sarsen Way links the greatest of England’s prehistoric sites – Avebury and Stonehenge, passing Neolithic henges and stone circles, Bronze Age barrows and Iron Age hill forts. But that’s not all, there are also ancient churches and the majestic medieval cathedral at Salisbury to visit along the way, as well as far-reaching views, tranquil riverside scenes, picturesque villages and cosy pubs to enjoy.

Can I use public transport to travel to and from the route?

Getting to Coate Water Park for the start of the Sarsen Way is easy by rail or road. The nearest mainline train station is Swindon, on the line from London Paddington to the south-west and south Wales. Local buses operate daily between Swindon town centre and Coate Water Country Park (east-bound stop) or Chiseldon. National Express coaches running between London Victoria and Bath stop at Coate Water.

At Salisbury, there are rail services on the line between London Waterloo and the south-west. National Express bus services operate to London.

For anyone wishing to drive, parking (either in a car park or on the street) is available near the start and end of each stage.

What should I take with me?

• Always choose clothing suitable for the season, such as a waterproof jacket, comfortable and waterproof footwear and a comfortable rucksack.
• On wet days, gaiters or waterproof trousers can also be very useful; during the summer, nettles can cause problems on some narrow paths. It’s also worth carrying a basic first aid kit for minor incidents.
• There are plenty of refreshment options along the route. However, there is no guarantee that any establishment will be open when required, and walkers should carry enough food and water for the day.

What guidebook should I use?

Our guidebook presents the trail in 6 stages, with step-by-step route descriptions and 1:50,000 OS mapping. Reverse route descriptions are also included. Details of accommodation and facilities near the route are provided, along with a helpful trek planner showing their distribution along the route. There are background notes on the history and geology and GPX files are available to download.