The Avebury Walk led by archaeologist and FoR committee member Jim Gunter and archaeologist Matilda Webbon on Sunday, 16th May was a great success, despite the damp weather.  Click here to see Jim’s detailed notes with a wealth of information on the major (and minor!) monuments of Avebury.

Report on the walk by Janet Hierons

Avebury welcomed us in mist and light drizzle when we arrived in the NT car park.  But we were not bothered, we had waterproofs and enthusiasm.  Guided by Jim, 26 of us set off towards Silbury Hill, passing along the Winterbourne stream (so named because water only flows in the winter).  Silbury Hill is now permanently off-limits, both inside and out.  The inside has been filled and strengthened with concrete and the outside is fenced off.  The debate about its purpose has subsided, the general consensus being that it was created as part of social gatherings, people just 'adding to the pile', or perhaps like nowadays adding stones to cairns as we walk mountain paths.

We crossed the A4 and stopped to look at the source of the river Kennet in the field corner, a tranquil and pretty spot.  Next was uphill to West Kennett Long Barrow and wonderful views all around.  Plenty of information from Jim and Matilda added to our understanding of the site.   By this time, rumours of lunch were circulating, so we stayed a while longer for sandwiches and a sit down.  Then we headed off eastwards, eventually reaching The Sanctuary, an arrangement of wooden posts in a circle.   We crossed back over the A4 onto The Ridgeway at Overton Hill, and walked leisurely northwards enjoying the views and remoteness.   But before heading back down to Avebury on the Herepath, Jim took us further along The Ridgeway to examine a 'stone axe sharpening stone' with a distinct smoothing hollow and ridged lines created from sharpening implements, supposedly by travellers before they reached Avebury.  

By this time the sun had come out and the raincoats were discarded.   We ambled back to Avebury and tea and cake in the café.   Everyone enjoyed the walk, made much more interesting by the knowledge and enthusiasm of Jim and Matilda.