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A person standing in a misty meadow with a silhouette of the Cursus barrow and a hazy sun in the background at Stonehenge, Wiltshire
The Cursus Barrows in the Stonehenge Landscape, Wiltshire | © National Trust Images/John Miller
Wiltshire

Secrets of the Stonehenge landscape walk

This walk explores some of the lesser-known features of the Stonehenge landscape but also has great views of the stone circle itself. Within Fargo Woodland there are numerous Bronze Age burial mounds, including the large Monarch of the Plain. There’s also the chance to spot a rich array of wildlife, from birds and butterflies to hares.

Total steps: 10

Total steps: 10

Start point

500m east of the Stonehenge visitor centre, grid ref SU 10523 42797

Step 1

Approximately 500m east of the visitor centre on the north side of the road is a pedestrian gate at grid reference SU10604285. Go through this and head towards the gap in the trees and a gate at the west end of the Cursus.

Step 2

Go through the gate, taking some time to read the information panel and enjoy the views. Then follow the woodland fence line to your right until you reach another gate.

Step 3

Enter Fargo Woodland through the gate and head along the woodchip path. Look out for a large Bronze Age burial mound on your right, known as the Monarch of the Plain. As this barrow comes into view, take the path leading to the left.

Step 4

Follow the path until you reach an open area within the woodland and another Bronze Age barrow.

Step 5

Make your way around the barrow and rejoin the woodchip path heading right. You’ve now reached the Fargo Woodland information point. This is a good place to get your bearings, admire the view and take in some of the features of the landscape.

Step 6

Leave the area via either of the gates and head towards the group of barrows in front of you. Keep to the left of the barrows and look for a gate on the fence line to your left. Go through the gate to explore the barrows and read the information panel.

Step 7

Leave through the gate opposite the one you came through and head south in the direction of Stonehenge. If you have a ticket from the visitor centre, head to the stone circle.

Step 8

When you’re ready, head south along the byway and look for a kissing gate on your right. Go through the gate into the field and walk in a westerly direction, parallel with the fence and away from the stone circle.

Step 9

This field is a great place to spot hares. It’s one of the many areas that we have restored to chalk grassland to protect the archaeology and benefit wildlife.

Step 10

Once in Fargo Woodland, turn left and head along the woodchip path with the fence line on your left. You’ll eventually arrive back at the Monarch of the Plain burial mound. Keep to the left of the mound and carry straight on until you reach a gate. Go through the gate and head back towards the gate at Step 1.

End point

500m east of the Stonehenge visitor centre, grid ref SU 10523 42797

Trail map

Ordnance Survey map of the Secrets of the Stonehenge Landscape walk
The Secrets of the Stonehenge Landscape walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

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