Avebury, West Kennet Long Barrow and Silbury Hill self guided walk

Start at the Red Lion pub

The Red Lion Avebury Pub is the only inn in the world that is located inside a prehistoric stone circle.

Claiming the dubious honour of once being "Britain's most haunted pub", the Red Lion at Avebury has a long history.

The building dates back to the 16th century, where it had its origins as a farmhouse before it became a coaching inn in the 19th century.

It is said that the sound of horses’ hooves can often be heard at night hitting the cobbles outside as a carriage arrives with a headless horseman....

An ancient well, dating back to the 1600s is a popular draw for visitors: it is said that the body of an unfortunate murdered woman lies at the bottom. The well now sits inside the pub; visitors looking to sit and have a drink can occupy a glass table with a view straight down into the murky depths!

The Well Room is named after Alexander Keiller who excavated the ancient stone circle surrounding the pub.

Continuing your walk...

From the Red Lion we are walking in between the avenue of stones that run due south, parallel to the road running to West Kennet.

Cross the road which junctions off west just south of the Red Lion towards Devizes and follow the road south going through the main south entrance of the henge.

West Kennet, on the main walk is much more interesting. By the A4 main road on the crest is the Sanctuary. This was a small henge, thought to be where the avenue of stones started and where the people going to Avebury would congregate. There is nothing but a barren field now with markers to show you the layout of this henge.

Going back to the main walk, at the T junction with the main A4 road, turn right along this major road. This is a busy road, so take care crossing the road.

About 100m along you will see a lane branching off south, with the unusual thatched wall pictured left on the corner. Walk down the lane past some large houses.

After a few hundred metres you cross over an old stone bridge fording a narrow stream. On the other side of the bridge take the clearly signed footpath right.

West Kennet Long Barrow

Silbury Hill starts to appear ahead. Well before you reach Silbury Hill, you will come across a well surfaced path going left up the hill to your left. At the top of the gradient is West Kennet Long Barrow, well worth the excursion.

When you come to a T junction of paths, turn left. Follow the path until it exits onto the Avebury to Devizes road, almost opposite the car/coach park for Avebury. 

Walk through the car park to the picnic area at the rear and follow the access path to the National Trust Alexander Keiller Museum Museum.