The Wessex Tour – sort of! Day seven

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Standing stones of Avebury

Today we head across to Avebury to explore the standing stones and the fascinating little museum.  Managed by English Heritage (we have an annual membership), it is a big site. Avebury Henge and stone circles are one of those lesser known but incredibly important marvels of prehistoric England. Built and altered during the Neolithic period (2850 – 2200BC), the Henge survives as a vast circular bank and ditch, encircling an area that includes part of Avebury village.

The largest standing stone circle in Britain is impressive and you are free to wander around it. Within it are two smaller circles. Get a map of the area from the ticket office or museum to get the essential overview, because this area is part of a much larger sacred landscape that includes West Kennet Avenue, West Kennet Long Barrow, The Sanctuary, Windmill Hill, and the mysterious Silbury Hill. Many of these can be reached on foot from the village. The Alexander Keiller Museum also displays many notable finds from the Avebury monuments. Together with Stonehenge, Avebury and its surroundings are a World Heritage Site.

I am fascinated with the historical periods from early Neolithic to the Anglo-Saxons. A geographer, this ‘turn to the dark side’ periodically surfaces; and I can’t help it!

You can read much more about the area here https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/avebury/history/ and make sure you leave plenty of time to do some walks and further exploring of other places such as Silbury Hill (https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/silbury-hill/ ) and the museum (https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/alexander-keiller-museum-avebury/ ). You could well fill a whole day in this area.

Today we find the area empty and uncrowded. It is a peaceful stroll around the standing stones although the bitter cold soon sends us into the warmth of the café and then the museum.

 The Caravan and Camping Club site at Melksham is well laid out with spacious level pitches and good clean facilities. As always there is a warm welcome from the wardens. We get a hard standing pitch towards the end of the site with an overhanging tree and a hedge to the rear of us. I have limited views of the night sky but I surmise I might be able to get a few shots of constellations to the north. In fact, tonight I can sit in the cab and leave my camera gear outside immediately in front of me. Lazy astronomy tonight!  I have had several aurora warnings on my app and at the moment it is looking good for tonight A huge solar flare a few days ago is now arriving earth side and they are predicting that we might see the northern lights across the whole of the UK; cloud permitting of course!

Details about the Melksham site can be found at https://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/campsites/uk/wiltshire/melksham/devizes-camping-and-caravanning-club-site/

Expenditure today: Campsite fees two nights – total £48  Entrance to Avebury – free due to annual membership; ditto free car parking at Avebury car park area.