Easy hikes and walks in Fyfield Down National Nature Reserve

Lots of varied paths to walk. Can get busy in the Bluebell season, but quiet at other times. Parking and poncho picnic benches.

The "Valley of Stones" in Wiltshire is a stretch of Fyfield Down National Nature Reserve, renowned for its concentration of Sarsen stones. These huge, naturally-occurring sandstone boulders were formed millions of years ago and later scattered across the chalk landscape. Locally, they are known as the "Grey Wethers" because from a distance, they resemble a flock of sheep. Significantly, this valley was the primary quarry source for the massive sarsen stones used to construct the megalithic monuments at Avebury and possibly Stonehenge.

Devil's Den stone monument is a Neolithic dolmen (burial chamber) located in Wiltshire, near Marlborough, not Sturminster Newton. The structure features a massive 17-ton capstone resting on two upright sarsen stones. Local folklore claims that if water is poured into the hollows on the capstone, the Devil himself will come during the night to drink it. It was largely reconstructed in 1921 after the chamber collapsed.

Had to detour along the Bath road as land owner had closed off the original cross through section. Walk on opposite side of road after coming to end of the lane. No path on immediate side. Cross back over and go up the pathway to get to the first of the stones.

The Valley of Stones in Wiltshire is a landscape of sarsen stones, a type of hard grey sandstone, that's known for its Neolithic monuments. Those bizarre rocks are locally known as 'Grey Wethers' because they are often mistaken for a flock of sheep in misty weather. But their other name has an even more fascinating origin! These geological features are officially known as Sarsen Stones. Most likely deriving from Wiltshire vernacular for 'Saracen'. Historians think Knight Templars named them as such because they were alien to the soft chalk of the North Wessex Downs. But the name has a more sinister meaning. It stems from the Crusades against Islamic rule, during which they called Muslims Saracens. This word was also used for anything that was 'foreign'. 'Grey Wethers' were used for building in the Neolithic Age! And thus, it is time to fall into the prehistoric rabbit hole as deep as 6000 years! According to The National Trust information board, these stones were used to erect Stonehedge and Avebury!

In a field on Fyfield Down, 1 mile east of Marlborough, Wiltshire, stands the prehistoric burial chamber known as The Devil’s Den or Clatford Bottom Stone, a Neolithic monument from 5,000 years ago that is also known as a Dolmen (stone table). Get up here on a clear day, nice and early, and you'll witness the most amazing sunrise.

Great route over meadow fields and Neolithic archeological site. Good conditions over well drained fields.

The West Woods for four weeks from mid April are a purple haze of English bluebells. Look out for the gnarly 500m long beech avenue a highlight at any time of the year, but particularly in winter.