by trace elements

Created on: August 30, 2009

A guide to Avebury Stone Circle, Wiltshire

Avebury is a small village in Wiltshire; it is west of Devizes and Stonehenge. Tucked away in the most pleasant countryside it looks as though there is nothing much to see until you get out of your car and walk around the earthworks that encircle the stones.This massive circle and surrounding monuments surpass the henge on Salisbury plain. Stonehenge is a delight to behold, but is surrounded by protection from the crowds so you can not get close or meander in and out of them. Avebury stones surround the village, and you can walk amongst them to your hearts content. It has a pleasant, relaxing feel when you traverse the countryside around the stones, and you can feel at home here. There are no guides or marshals herding you around, so you can spend as long as you like sitting with your back to a gigantic stone for hours if you wish to.

My first encounter of Avebury was about six years ago, it was half term and were out and about site seeing. We had spent the day at Stonehenge taking in the circle and surrounding countryside. My son was about four years old, and wanted desperately to touch the stones, but of course you were not allowed. So we decided to continue onto Avebury where the stones stood in the fields around the village. I had heard about the place but not been there, so it was a new experience for me as well.

First impressions were how free and easy life seemed here. The locals were pleasant and helpful, and did not seem to mind the ever lasting trail of people traipsing through their homeland. The site is so big that visitors did not have to huddle together, but could wander and sit in open spaces to enjoy the ambiance of the area. My son was especially happy to be able to touch the stones, feeling the texture and temperature of them.

We walked all the way around the outer circle, which is divided by four roads, spending some time at the two great oaks whose roots are entwined. They look like lovers tangled up together, and I later found out that they are male and female oak trees. As we walked along the top of the embankment leading to the west, we could see an inner circle of stones. Well what is left of it anyway! This is where pagan festivals take place, such as Solstice and Beltane. Across the road and down a bit was a avenue of stones, which lead to the West Kennet Long Barrow. As we had arrived later in the day we decided to try to walk to this monument might be pushing it as it was getting late in the day. Although it was spring, and the evenings were getting lighter we did have a four year with us, so that would have to wait for another day.

We came away feeling much more satisfied than when we had departed from Stonehenge. Avebury offered much more in personal experience, both in nearness to the stones as well as peace and quiet. Stonehenge has become a total visitor's attraction, you can not even take your dogs around the circle now, as they are a health and safety risk! I like visiting Avebury as you can just be and go where you like, walk in which direction and see as much or as little of the circle as you want. We have visited at different times of the year, and are never disappointed and always find something new to see.

Blessed be those who designed and erected this most splendid monument, which we can now spend time connecting with the earth and surrounding landscape in.

Learn more about this author, trace elements.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.