Skip to content
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

You made it

Share your experience

More near here

Sheep grazing at New King Barrows, Stonehenge Landscape
Trail
Trail

Stonehenge King's view circular walk 

Explore the chalk downlands at the heart of the Stonehenge landscape, taking in Bronze Age burial mounds, ceremonial pathways, beautiful views and an array of wildlife.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3.0 (km: 4.8)
A curving tree-lined bank on the edge of a field with sheep grazing at Durrington Walls, Stonehenge Landscape, Wiltshire
Trail
Trail

Durrington Walls to Stonehenge walk 

Explore three major prehistoric monuments, Durrington Walls, the Stonehenge Avenue and the Cursus, take in inspiring views of Wiltshire and spot a range of wildlife.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 5 (km: 8)
A curving bank in a field at Durrington Walls, Stonehenge Landscape, Wiltshire
Trail
Trail

Durrington Walls to King Barrow Ridge walk 

Explore the landscape east of Stonehenge, taking in the timber circle of Woodhenge, Durrington Walls, the Cuckoo Stone and the burial mounds on King Barrow Ridge.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 4 (km: 6.4)
A tree overhanging a grassy track with flat fields beyond at New King Barrows, Stonehenge Landscape, Wiltshire
Trail
Trail

Winterbourne Stoke Barrows walk at Stonehenge 

Explore Bronze Age burial mounds, walk through flower-filled meadows and woodland glades and take in panoramic views of the countryside and Stonehenge itself.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3.7 (km: 5.92)

Get in touch

Our partners

Cotswold Outdoor

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

Visit website 

You might also be interested in

A view of a barrow surrounded by trees at Stonehenge Landscape in autumn
Article
Article

Things to do at the Stonehenge Landscape 

Follow in the footsteps of the people who built the Stonehenge Landscape 4,500 years ago, by visiting prehistoric monuments and settlements surrounding the iconic stone circle.

Three grassy mounds Stonehenge Landscape
Article
Article

History of the Stonehenge Landscape 

Discover the history of Stonehenge Landscape and learn more about the area that surrounds this World Heritage Site.

Man walking dog through gate at Stonehenge Landscape
Article
Article

Visiting Stonehenge Landscape with your dog 

Stonehenge Landscape is a one pawprint rated place. Discover which areas of the Stonehenge Landscape you are and aren't able to explore while walking your dog around this World Heritage Site in the Wiltshire countryside .

Visitors walking along the henge bank at Avebury, Wiltshire

Walking in Wiltshire 

From walking in the footsteps of King Alfred to exploring the county's mysterious ancient monuments, these are some of the best walks in Wiltshire.

A man and a woman enjoy the view whilst walking in the Peak District
Article
Article

Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner 

Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.

An aerial view of an adult and baby walking a dog along a path at Baggy Point, Devon
Article
Article

Staying safe at National Trust places 

The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.

A visitor carrying a backpack and walking along a footpath at Divis and the Black Mountain with stone walls either side, the countryside visible in the background.
Article
Article

Follow the Countryside Code 

Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.

A family walking alongside Lake Windermere at Fell Foot during winter, Cumbria

Walking 

Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.