Start/Finish Avebury National Trust car park, A4361. OS grid reference SU 099 695 Total distance 26km (16 miles) Time 2+ hours Maps Ordnance Survey Landranger 173: Swindon and Devizes Route summary Gentle climbs and undemanding trails make a perfect beginner’s route. At the centre of Avebury’s stone circle, turn right onto the Wessex Ridgeway and begin climbing. At the junction with the Ridgeway, turn left towards Hackpen Hill and Barbury Castle. Follow clear doubletrack north across one minor road at Hackpen Hill. At the second minor road (Barbury Castle), bear slightly right across Barbury Castle itself on the bridleway. Follow bridleway to next minor road/car park, then bear right to pick up bridleway south past Four Mile Clump to Rockley. As the bridleway meets the road before Rockley, turn left then right on a dead end minor road. At the end of the road in Rockley village, turn left onto ascending doubletrack beneath trees as the road enters a yard. Follow climb as it bears right, crossing a gate to follow the trail along the field edge onto Manton Down. Continue ahead as the path climbs and strike out on doubletrack across open fields. As you crest the hill, the NCN4 joins from the left, continue along it as it drops over Fyfield Down among the Grey Wethers then climbs to the Ridgeway. This is where you joined the Ridgeway after climbing out of Avebury. To shortcut the route go straight over to retrace your steps. Otherwise, turn left to stay with the Ridgeway as it descends over 2.5km of doubletrack to the A4. Turn right onto A4 for just under 1km. Turn right onto the Avenue/B4003 to return to the centre of Avebury. by Matt_Skinner
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