Synopsis: Organised by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, walked with friend Roger from badminton and Alan and Clive. Bacon butties and tea provided en route, plus a medal for our efforts at the finish line. Great day.
(selection of photos from Flickr photo set – use link above to view album)This is a walk organised by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust named the Sarsen Trail. Apparently this walk is now in its 25th year, although I’d not heard of it till my friend Roger from badminton mentioned it to me. I was curious to know a little more about the walk and Roger mistook my curiosity for enthusiasm and the next thing I know Roger invited me along on the walk. Actually I thought this was likely to be a good walk and as I couldn’t think of a good excuse for not doing it, I said I’d like to come along. Roger and I set out from Exeter at 5:00. We were meeting Roger’s friend Alan, and friend of Alan’s Clive, at Avebury. We were signed off at the registration centre and ready to set out on our walk by 7:10.
The Sarsen Trail
The sky was overcast and air cool as we set out, ideal for a quick start. Clive and I set the pace with Roger and Alan in hot pursuit. We walked at a pretty sharpish pace and made good progress skirting fields, over gentle rolling hills, and along lanes, passing the occasional check-point and refreshment table. We were recording an average walking speed of 3.4 mph at this time.
Kennet and Avon Canal
We crossed a bridge over the Kennet & Avon Canal. I once cycled this canal, travelling from Bath to Reading. I used the train to get me to Bristol to start my outing, and similarly caught the train home from Reading. Good to see the canal again, even if just briefly.
Redhorn check-point
It wasn’t long before Clive and I had pulled away from Roger and Alan. Clive and I were climbing Redhorn Hill and couldn’t see Roger and Alan, so we decided we’d break at the check-point station at the top of the hill. We were tempted by the smell of burgers and bacon sizzling on a grill in one of the marquees so Clive and I picked up bacon butties and tea and found ourselves a bale of hay on which to sit. Roger and Alan soon joined us on our improvised seating arrangements.
The long and, well, straight road.
By this time we’d clocked about 12 miles already and it was only 11 o’clock. We were feeling fresh and confident. The sun had put in an appearance or two and there were signs that the day was beginning to warm up. A long and level dusty path into the distance lay ahead of us and off we set once again. Alan had slowed a little by this time, obviously beginning to suffer a little with feet pains.
A little further into the walk Roger and I broke free of Alan and Clive. At one point as we climbed a hill from a water station and looked over our shoulders but could see no sign of Alan and Clive. We were now about 19.3 miles into our walk and here we waited for some minutes for Alan and Clive but they didn’t appear. We were just getting a little concerned when they appeared in sight. Alan had slowed yet further and was now noticeably struggling, so we slowed our pace down considerably at this point.
Twenty miles completed - Roger checking with base camp (Pat in Exeter)
Not far from here we started out on a diversion from the walk route of previous years. We were told the reason was to avoid disturbance to birds nesting in trees along the original route. Seemed rather odd to us that the birds could handle artillery fire from the MOD training grounds all around, but were unsettled by a group of walkers passing by. Obviously very particular birds.
We approached one final check-point station named Bustard at 14:53 where there was cool water on offer. This station also served as a first-aid point, and word was that some walkers were in trouble. The day had warmed considerably by now and there was little respite from the sun which reflected from the dusty chalk tracks leaving us feeling parched and hot. We were making good progress, although our pace was considerably slower by now.
Finish line at Stonehenge - Roger and Clive
On the final approach to Stonehenge Alan seemed happiest following us at his own pace so Roger, Clive and myself were slightly ahead of him. We were nearly on Stonehenge before at last the great stone circle came into view. There were quite a number of marquees in sight and most significant to us, the Finish Line came into view. At last, at 16:18, we had earned our medals, and a slice of pizza and chocolate cake too. Sat on the grass by the refreshment marquee it wasn’t long before Alan, with a thankful expression, joined us for a brief rest.
At about 16:40 an announcement on the public address system said the bus for Avebury was now loading, so we made our way across the car park to our awaiting bus. The bus gradually filled for 20 minutes then set off on its journey to Avebury at 17:00, reaching its destination at 17:40.
We concluded our day with a very nice supper in the Black Horse, Cherhill. Alan had reserved a table for us earlier. We were grateful for the chance to sit and relax. We had also worked up quite an appetite, so were delighted to be treated to well cooked meals. My pint of Guinness and very tasty goat’s cheese risotto went down a treat. We didn’t hang around as we were all keen to get home and so, once Clive had found his car keys (he’d left them in his car), we said our fond goodbyes and were on our respective roads for home. It had been a marvellous day’s walk.
Walk Statistics:
Total Distance: 26.3 miles
Moving Time: 8hrs 29min
Stopped Time: 31min
Total Ascent: 728 metres
Maximum Elevation: 303 metres
Average speed: 2.91 mph
Buses: (from Stonehenge to Avebury, included in walk entrance fee)
Sarsen Trail walk entry fee: £28.00
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