King Alfred's Way: Old Sarum to Stonehenge

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In my last ride following the KAW, I joined the South Downs Way above Petersfield. I have ridden the SDW to Winchester, and also covered the ground between Winchester and Old Sarum, so I jumped to new ground and rode the section between Old Sarum and Stonehenge. Here's a map. I went out along the 'official' route to Stonehenge via Amesbury (blue), and came back along the off-road alternative route to Lake (red), then followed the road along the Avon valley back to my start (pink).

I took the opportunity to visit some of the other sites in this ancient landscape. At the start, Old Sarum is an ancient hill fort, with impressive embankments enclosing the remains of a castle and the precursor to Salisbury Cathedral. In the vicinity of Stonehenge,  a short WALK (green) off the route are Woodhenge, Durrington Walls and the Cuckoo Stone (cycling is not allowed in these fields, so you must either lock and leave your bike, or push it). A bridleway (yellow) can be followed to King Barrow Ridge, viewing the Cursus and the Avenue on the way. 

You can cycle along a short track to view Stonehenge (purple) from outside the fence, but you will have to get a ticket to get inside the enclosure (free for English Heritage and National Trust members - check websites for latest entry requirements). I also cycled along to the Visitor Centre (brown) which has good facilities (cafe, loos, water) and a museum.

A total of 30 miles including all the excursions. The tracks were in good condition after our spell of hot dry weather. 

Start at Old Sarum

The tracks were in good condition

There are some narrow sections needing care

Sleepy Avon

Amesbury Church

The route to Larkhill follows a disused railway 

You can view (but not cycle on) the Cursus, an ancient racetrack-like formation, although in truth you can discern little from ground level.

There are several barrows and tumuli, like these at King Barrow Ridge 

The Cuckoo Stone

Woodhenge

Durringtom Walls

Route approaching Stonehenge

At Stonehenge

Cycle track allows close approach to the stones

The road to the Visitor Centre

Visitor Centre

Ancient huts

Visitor Centre Cafe

Leaving Stonehenge on the alt route

Nasty crossing of the A303, be patient

A303

'Upender' kissing gate

Short permissive footpath (walk)

More barrows on the alt route

The alt route is a great grassy ride in summer (probably very muddy in winter)

Alt route

Crossing the Avon on the return

On the way home in the car, I stopped off at Figsbury Ring, about half a mile from where the KAW crosses the A30. A great viewpoint, well worth a visit.