W24 Information

Click on thumbnail to view full size picture of the Wansdyke

EAST KENNETT to WANSDYKE

Waypoint	Map Reference	Bearing to next waypoint
START	SU 1182 6753	151
WP1	SU 1206 6715	173
WP2	SU 1213 6680	188
WP3	SU 1205 6568	201
WP4	SU 1179 6482	261
WP5	SU 1071 6457	282
WP6	SU 1005 6467	287
WP7	SU 0829 6587	51
WP8	SU 1020 6686	29
WP9	SU 1043 6734	76
WP10	SU 1078 6745	90
WP11	SU 1138 6748	88
START	SU 1182 6753	-

General:- This 7 mile walk is very simple to follow and is ideal for those new to outdoor navigation. The views are good, more surprising there are no steep hills, they are so gentle you hardly notice them. The paths are passable most times in the year. The only word of caution relates to the section between Wp7 & 8 where its best to avoid freshly ploughed fields in late Sept.

Between Wp6 & Wp7 you get one of the finest views of the Wansdyke there is. Look at the full size view of the picture above, its almost like a miniature Hadrians wall. If you are curious to learn more about the dyke go to www.wansdyke21.org.uk . From the dyke you can see Silbury Hill on one side and the hill fort at Knapp Hill on the other.

The section as you approach Wp4 is part of the infamous Ridgeway path that has suffered so much abuse from four wheel drive use the Council had to prohibit them using it. Here you can see the track is in poor condition but starting to recover. The walkers have found a way around the worst bits and there is a lesson in this, don't spend hundreds of thousands of pounds resurfacing a track so 4WD's can wreck it again, use the money saved to improve the footpath bridges.

On another access note, between Wp's 4 & 5 there is a Countryside Stewardship Open Access scheme operating. This grants the public the right to walk anywhere within this area of downland, you don't have to keep to the footpath, a truly worthwhile experience on a fine day.

At Wp9 you can see W Kennett Long Barrow ahead and very close. Don't be tempted to reach it from this point, there is no path. Go back to the A4 and turn left towards Calne. 1/4 mile furthur on is a signposted layby with an easy path to the barrow..

(GPS length 6.8 miles).

How to get there: Park near the church. From the A4 look for the road to East Kennett 1.8 miles east of the junction with A4361 at SU1147 6806. As you enter the village look for a road on the right that goes to the church.