The NBH 10 Challenge - Stonehenge to Avebury - 26 miles (41.8km)

The NBH 10 Challenge

"10 Marathons in 10 Months, in 10 Hours"

Marathon No. 8 - September 2014

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Stonehenge to Avebury

26 miles miles (41.8km)

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/0/b/2/event_399736562.jpeg

The magnificent prehistoric stone circles of Stonehenge and Avebury need little introduction. We start at the legendary icon of Stonehenge, the most famous stone circle in the world.

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The start (Stonehenge) and end point (Avebury) are very time-consuming via public transport, and therefore we will be hiring taxis from Salisbury railway station to Stonehenge and from Avebury to Salisbury railway station.

I have allowed additional time for photos and rest stops, as there are lots to see on this route: Stonehenge, White horses, Avebury stone circles and crop circles.

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Our challenging day starts with a taxi from Salisbury railway station to the Stonehenge World Heritage site, were you are able view and take photos of Stonehenge from outside the surrounding fence. We will allow about 30mins for photos etc., before we start our Stonehenge to Avebury marathon (26mile) hike.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1klfiZQ_2s&feature=em-upload_owner

We start by walking north along the Avon Valley to our west and the large expanse of the MOD training area to our east. We have permission to cross this land, which is a great experience and quite unique. This region of Salisbury Plain is used very little by walkers, and we can enjoy the flora and fauna that has been protected for decades from traffic and development.

We cross spectacular chalk down dotted with ancient earth-works, burial mounds and enigmatic white horses carved into the chalk. Our route takes in the highest point in Wiltshire (295m) and goes through the most active crop circle area in the world, so keep your eyes peeled!

We follow the Kennet & Avon canal east on a welcome section of flat land dotted with farms and hedgerows. Heading north, it's not long before we reach our half-way point close to the River Avon, before dropping down into the village of Alton Barnes.

Skirting a prehistoric long-barrow, we climb steeply up onto a ridge and follow this through beautiful countryside. We'll get up close to one of the white horses that make this area of chalk downland famous. This area is also acknowledged by enthusiasts as the world centre of crop circle activity; looking out for them will take your mind off your leg muscles as we traverse the hills and ridges!

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/7/9/c/event_399738332.jpeg

Our route takes us close to the mysterious landmark of Silbury Hill – the tallest man-made mound in Europe, it is a very impressive sight. Its purpose however is still unknown.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/8/f/0/event_399738672.jpeg

Finally, we reach the outstanding stone circles at Avebury, a sight that is most unique.

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/9/b/8/event_399738872.jpeg

We start to anticipate the finish line at Avebury, which lies at the centre of one of the greatest surviving concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments in Western Europe. It is a unique landscape of stone circles, barrows and avenues.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1E0Pz00Vsn0&feature=em-upload_owner

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Level: Intermediate (8/10)

Walk Pace: Medium to Fast (2.5mph)

Length: 26 miles (41.8km)

Duration: 12hrs (additional time for photos and rest stops)

Start and End: Salisbury Station

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Food: Pack lunch/Snacks

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Meeting Time: 6.15am.

Train departs from London Waterloo at 06.30 and arrives at Salisbury Station 08.05am. Returning to London Waterloo at 21.30.

Meet: next to the ticket office

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Cost: £55 based on 30% discount for 3-9 adults sharing, on a "First Come First Share" basis. (Return rail travel from London Waterloo to Salisbury, Taxis from Salisbury to Stonehenge and Avebury to Salisbury railway station, PayPal, NBH costs and Organiser's fee).

PLEASE NOTE:

THE ABOVE COST IS BASED ON 8-PEOPLE SHARING AN 8-SEATER TAXI ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST SHARE BASIS.

ADDITIONAL MEMBERS WILL BE CONFIRMED ONCE WE HAVE ENOUGH FOR A SECOND TAXI.
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NOTE: Please remember to change your RSVP if you are no longer able to make the event. No shows are recorded and may affect your RSVP status for future events. After three “no shows” you may be moved to the waiting list for events that are full.

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Things to bring:
Pack Lunch, Energy snacks and Water
Walking shoes / Boots
Compeed blister plasters
Spare boot laces
Waterproof clothing (Jacket and trousers)
Suitable clothing for walking (no jeans)
Warm tops (layers)
Money (cash for lunch and drinks)
Camera (optional)

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2014 Marathon Walks:

February – Seven Sisters

March – North Downs Way

April – Lewes

May – Hangers Way (Extended)

June – South Downs Way

July – Brighton

August – The Chilterns

September – Stonehenge to Avebury

October – To be decided

November – London

NOTE: The above monthly marathon walks are subject to change due to weather conditions, transport, etc…

NBH: Fun & Friendly London based International Hiking and
Outdoor Adventure Activities.

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NBH-Natural Born Hikers operate within:
The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992.

For more information:
http://www.dti.gov.uk/ccp/topics1/facts/package.htm

Look at the following site for the simplified explanation
http://www.travelwatchdog.com/Travel%20Regs.htm/

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IMPORTANT NOTE: NBH-Natural Born Hikers consider safety to be our number one priority and while we never take unnecessary risks, we do recognise that any outdoor activity involves a danger of personal injury or death. Remember that you should be aware of and accept these risks as you are responsible for your own safety and you should not undertake anything beyond your abilities. It is also your responsibility to be correctly equipped for the weather and activity you have chosen to participate in.

NBH-Natural Born Hikers recommend that everyone participating in outdoor activities obtain appropriate insurance. The BMC offer excellent policies for all outdoor enthusiasts at very competitive rates: https://www.thebmc.co.uk/modules/insurance/Landing.aspx