cycling to Stonehenge or Avebury?

May 27, 2011 8:23 AM

Looking for a bit of info about cycling Salisbury-Stonehenge or Swindon-Avebury...

A friend and I are planning a visit to either Stonehenge or Avebury via train and then bicycle, and I'm wondering if anyone can give us help with a few rather specific questions about the routes involved:

1. Salisbury-Stonehenge via NCN 45 versus Swindon-Avebury via Ridgeway: what are the trail conditions like? Are any/all of these cycle routes paved, or are they grass/gravel?
2. Avebury's website specifically recommends against cycling along the roads (e.g. A4361) due to traffic conditions, but we're both used to cycling in a busy urban area, would be travelling during the day, and in any case have high-visibility gear - would a road route be a problem?
3. Are there good and not-horribly-expensive places to eat, or should we bring a picnic lunch?
4. Any recommendations about which one to choose? I've heard Stonehenge is somewhat underwhelming, but neither of us has ever visited either place.

Thanks!

posted by SymphonyNumberNine to travel & transportation (6 answers total)

3. The Red Lion in Avebury is a pleasant little pub. I'd eat there.
4. Stonehenge is really not that exciting. Avebury will give you much more to explore. While you're in the area, visit West Kennet Long Barrow as well - it's a short stroll from Avebury.
posted by Nick Jordan at 8:30 AM on May 27, 2011

A number of years ago a few of us cycled the Ridgeway from Avebury to Goring, and we started by taking the road from Swindon. It was early on a Good Friday morning, and I don't remember it being a problem. Something less than an hour, I think.

Assume that any part of the Ridgeway is off-road, and off-road bikes are recommended.
posted by daveje at 9:08 AM on May 27, 2011

Avebury is one of my favorite places on Earth. Lots cooler than Stonehenge (except for the fact that it's the one that people have heard of.) It's been over a decade since I've been there so I can't really answer the rest of your question. Have fun!
posted by MCMikeNamara at 9:10 AM on May 27, 2011

2. I've previously cycled from Wootton Bassett (nr Swindon) to Avebury, along roads all the way, and never had any problems apart from the MASSIVE hill through Broad Town! This was the route.
3. If you do go from Swindon to Avebury by road and go through Broad Hinton, The Crown does pretty good pub food.
4. Personally I think that Avebury is a much more interesting place to visit than Stonehenge
posted by lizabeth at 1:04 PM on May 27, 2011

Have you thought about adding parts of the White Horse Trail to your itinerary? Salisbury to Stonehenge is only a 12 mile cycle.

The Red Lion in Chisenbury, would be en route if you were cycling Pewsey-->Stonehenge (downhill!). It's sensationally good, and definitely worth a detour.
posted by roofus at 5:30 AM on May 28, 2011

1. Streatley - Avebury via Ridgeway some ten years ago. No paved trail but do able on a tough tourer. At that time the surface was mashed up by off roaders, I believe it has been improved since.
2. Try and avoid A roads. Map read via B roads, unclassifieds and bridlepaths.
3. Search The Good Pub Guide food pubs. Also use their app. if you have a mobile.
4. More to see at Avebury. Silbury Hill, West Kennet Long Barrow etc.

Also bear in mind that you end up near the Kennet and Avon Canal whose tow path is an easy cycle eastwards back towards the Thames. If you want to make a three day trip that is.
posted by Dr.Pill at 4:03 AM on May 29, 2011