Pewsey circular/ Neolithic walk approx 23 Miles (strenuous)

Join us for an epic 23-mile circular walk from the historic market village of Pewsey, as we celebrate the summer solstice by exploring some of Britain's most remarkable prehistoric landscapes and the highest point in Wiltshire.

This strenuous but rewarding route takes us through the heart of the North Wessex Downs, linking together an extraordinary collection of Neolithic monuments, ancient trackways and sweeping chalk downland. Along the way we'll visit the world-famous stone circles of Avebury, pass the enigmatic mound of Silbury Hill, and explore the impressive ceremonial landscape surrounding West Kennet Long Barrow and The Sanctuary.

The route also follows sections of the ancient Ridgeway, a track used for thousands of years, offering stunning views across the Vale of Pewsey and the rolling chalk hills of Wiltshire. A highlight of the day is the ascent of Milk Hill, which at 294 metres (965 feet) is the highest point in Wiltshire. From the summit, weather permitting, we'll enjoy panoramic views stretching across the Marlborough Downs, Salisbury Plain and beyond.

Another memorable feature of the walk is the magnificent Alton Barnes White Horse, one of Wiltshire's most striking chalk hill figures. Carved into the hillside beneath Milk Hill, the gleaming white horse provides a dramatic reminder of the area's long connection with the chalk landscape and offers one of the most iconic views in the county.

Expect a varied mix of grassy tracks, chalk paths, ancient byways and open downland, with plenty of opportunities to appreciate the area's rich archaeological heritage and outstanding natural beauty. The pace will be steady with regular regrouping stops, but participants should be comfortable walking long distances over undulating terrain.

Distance: 23 miles (37 km)Ascent: Approximately 2,000 ft (610 m)Grade: strenuous Start/Finish: PewseyHighlights: Avebury, Silbury Hill, West Kennet Long Barrow, The Sanctuary, the Ridgeway, Alton Barnes White Horse, Milk Hill summit, and spectacular North Wessex Downs scenery.

A full day of big skies, ancient history and some of the finest walking in southern England
Please note this is a strenuous walk, we will have to walk at a good pace so please don't join if you are a beginner hiker or you don't have a good level of fitness
Please note that we will be getting the first and last trains from London to Pewsey and back so the pace will be brisk. Please don't buy advance tickets for this trip, in case I have to reschedule

Outward travel: Get the 08.35 train from London Paddington to Pewsey arrives 09:38. The return is the 20:44 train from Pewsey

Walk starts at 09:40 from Pewsey station
Walk ends at around 20:00 at Pewsey station
Buy a day return to Pewsey. The cost is about £34 with a groupsave ticket
Bring a packed lunch we will find a suitable picnic spot. There will be a pub at Avebury where we will stop for lunch

How to join

• The walk is entirely free of charge
• You only arrange for your own travel and pub expenses
• Understand our terms and conditions below (the "IMPORTANT" part)
• Understand how to stay safe outdoors, as you will be responsible for yourself. See our quick safety tips
  https://www.meetup.com/Free-Outdoor-Trips-From-London/about
• Please answer the RSVP question; Guests with missing or incorrect answers will be removed from the list

What to brin

• Plenty of water, 1-2 litres recommende
• Enough snacks and packed lunch to keep you energized along the wal
• Extra snacks and an extra packed lunch just in cas
• Rainproof (ideally waterproof) clothing, sturdy shoes/boots you don't mind getting mudd
• Spare sock
• Walking poles and/or an umbrella :-
• Yourself..
• ...and your camera
• Cash for train ticke
• Cash for pub at the end of the walk

Feel free to ask any questions in the comments section

IMPORTAN
Please bear in mind this is a free of charge, self-guided trip with a hobby group. It is not organized by a business nor any entity with commercial purposes
Any trip details, travel advice, route planning, instructions and other content in our group merely represent our shared personal knowledge, research and suggestions as outdoor enthusiasts. As this is no business, there is no "product", "service" or "package" and also no "tour guide", "operator" or "walk leader"
Each participant is responsible for their own safety. Even if some of us are very experienced walking outdoors, nobody assumes responsibility for any kind of injury, damage or loss that may happen
Despite this, we take extreme precautions and all trips we plan are very safe, fun, highly educational and popular. Our experienced members volunteer their time and effort to shape a pleasant and quality adventure for everyone :-
By participating you acknowledge and agree with this disclaimer

Here are our tips on staying safe during outdoor trips
https://www.meetup.com/Free-Outdoor-Trips-From-London/about

TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATION, INSURANC
Although we provide detailed suggestions, each participant is expected to arrange their own travel - this gives everyone the freedom and choice. Anyone interested in travel or outdoor insurance should also arrange this on their own. As mentioned above we always take extreme precautions, but some people may still feel safer if covered
As most of our trips are confirmed or postponed very close to the event date - heavily depending on the weather forecasts - we advise not to buy this until the last minute. People getting tickets from the same station are encouraged to meet early on the day to benefit from discounts such as GroupSave

Any questions, feel free to ask below or send a private message