A Walk Along West Kennet Avenue

Imagine yourself strolling amidst towering stones, each whispering tales of a civilization long gone. This isn't a scene from a fantasy novel, but a real experience waiting for you at West Kennet Avenue, a prehistoric wonder nestled in the heart of England's Wiltshire countryside.

West Kennet Avenue is no ordinary path. It was once lined with around 100 pairs of megaliths, forming a grand avenue that snakes its way between the Avebury henge and The Sanctuary. While many of the stones have fallen victim to time, the remaining 37 pairs still stand tall, radiating an aura of mystery and intrigue.

Built sometime between 2500 and 2200 BC, the avenue's purpose remains a captivating enigma. Some believe it served as a processional route for rituals and ceremonies, connecting the sacred sites of Avebury and The Sanctuary. Others propose it functioned as a calendar, with the stones aligning with astronomical events. Every theory adds a layer of fascination to this ancient path.

As you walk along the avenue, imagine the throngs of people who once tread this same ground. Picture them carrying offerings, celebrating solstices, or honoring their ancestors. The stones become silent witnesses, their weathered surfaces etched with the stories of millennia.

But West Kennet Avenue isn't just about the past. It's a place that ignites the imagination and sparks curiosity. As you explore the site, you'll find yourself asking questions:

  • What tools did they use to move these massive stones?
  • What rituals were performed here?
  • What beliefs did these people hold?

The lack of definitive answers only adds to the mystique. It allows you to weave your own narratives, to connect with the spirit of the place on a personal level.

Beyond its historical significance, West Kennet Avenue offers a breathtaking natural setting. The rolling hills of Wiltshire provide a picturesque backdrop, and the ever-changing sky paints the scene with new hues throughout the day. Whether bathed in the golden light of dawn or silhouetted against a twilight sky, the avenue never fails to impress.

If you're seeking an adventure that transcends the ordinary, a visit to West Kennet Avenue is a must. It's a journey through time, a portal to a bygone era, and a reminder of the enduring power of human connection and the mysteries that continue to captivate us. So, lace up your walking shoes, pack your sense of wonder, and prepare to be transported to a world where history whispers in the wind and every stone holds a story waiting to be told.




© All rights reserved

Popular Posts

Devilishly Intriguing: Exploring Oxfordshire's Mysterious Quoits

Image
Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Oxfordshire, England, lies a site shrouded in legend and history: the Devil's Quoits. This evocative name hints at its ancient past, a past that stretches back 4, 000-5, 000 years to the Neolithic period. While not as widely known as its larger cousin, Stonehenge, the Devil's Quoits possess a charm and mystery all their own. A Circle Whispers Tales: Standing as a henge and stone circle, the Quoits boast an impressive circumference of 100 meters. Originally consisting of around 50 massive stones, only 17 remain upright today. Yet, even in their partially restored state, they whisper tales of a bygone era. Imagine Neolithic people gathering within this sacred space, conducting rituals under the watchful gaze of the sun and moon. What ceremonies did they perform? What beliefs did they hold? The stones, silent yet eloquent, leave these questions to fuel our imaginations. The Devil's Game: The name, "Devil's Quoi
Read more

Lanhill Long Barrow: A Window into Neolithic Britain

Image
Lanhill Long Barrow also known as Hubba's Low, is a Neolithic long barrow located in Wiltshire, England. It is one of the best-preserved long barrows in the Cotswolds-Severn Group, and is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The barrow is oriented east-west and measures 56 meters long and 4 meters high. It has a roughly oval shape, with a rounded end at the east and a slightly pointed end at the west. The barrow is made up of earth and rubble, and is surrounded by a ditch. The barrow was excavated in 1909, and three burial chambers were discovered. However, only the southernmost burial chamber survives today. The chamber is rectangular in shape and measures 2.5 meters long, 1.5 meters wide, and 1 meter high. It is made up of large sarsen stones, and the roof is now supported by steel bars. The burial chamber contained the remains of at least 12 people, as well as a variety of grave goods, including pottery, flint tools, and jewelry. The grave goods suggest that the barrow was used for com
Read more

Stones of Avebury

Image
Avebury is a village in the county of Wiltshire in England known for containing a significant number of ancient monuments. The most famous monument is the Avebury Stone Circle. Avebury Stone Circle is the world's largest stone circle, comprising of other monuments within it, including a cove and two stone circles. The stone circle is located inside the henge that encircles part of Avebury village. Some stones at Avebury have names and these names are based on the stories that are related to the stones. Most of the stones are part of the stone circles. But two of them form a stone setting that is believed to be older than the stone circles. DEVIL'S CHAIR This stone got its name from a naturally formed seat on one side of the stone. Directly above the seat is a hole known as "chimney". Legend has it that if you run around the stone anti-clockwise, you will summon the Devil. RING STONE The Ring Stone is a broken piece of stone once smashed by an enraged church minister.
Read more