An introduction to the Sarsen Way
If you're seeking a relatively easy trail to explore over a long weekend, the Sarsen Way is a fantastic option. This 79 km (49 miles) route begins at Coate Water Park in Swindon and concludes at Salisbury Cathedral. It connects two of England's prehistoric sites, Avebury and Stonehenge, while passing by Bronze Age barrows, Iron Age hill forts, and ancient churches along the way. You can expect stunning views, peaceful riverside scenery, charming villages, and inviting pubs.
Walking the Sarsen Way
Stonehenge, Avebury, Salisbury and the Cranborne Droves Way
£14.95
Guidebook to the Sarsen Way (79km) from Coate Water Park to Salisbury and the Cranborne Droves Way (28km) connecting Salisbury to Wessex Ridgeway at Win Green. These long-distance paths are part of the Great Chalk Way. Suggested 2-8 day itineraries, OS maps, accommodation options, and reverse route descriptions are included.
More informationWhere does the Sarsen Way start and end?
The Sarsen Way is 79km (49 miles) in total, with several optional detours making a maximum length of 95.2km (59 miles). The trail 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.
How hard 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 some road crossings and sections along quiet country roads and lanes require extra care. The trail takes around four days to complete, although it can be made shorter or longer depending on your timeframe and fitness. You can walk the route 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.
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. 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.
What will I see along the 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. Background notes on the history, geology, and GPX files are available to download.
