Stonehenge Summer Solstice Mini-Weekend
From: Saturday, 20 June
To: Sunday, 21 June
Where: Amesbury, Wiltshire
Organiser: Tom C
Details:
Details:
Stonehenge is an iconic prehistoric structure, one of the most famous landmarks in the UK, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Aligned to the winter solstice sunset and summer solstice sunrise, every year thousands attend to get up close to the stones for free, and experience these amazing annual events in person. This year the summer solstice sunrise occurs on a Sunday morning, making it perfect for a mini-weekend away!
Travel:
The trip starts and ends at Salisbury railway station. This is included in the Network Railcard area, and an off-peak return should cover both days.
Saturday 20th June:
Salisbury to Amesbury
Moderate, 12 miles, 250m ascent
Starting from the cathedral city of Salisbury, we pass by Old Sarum and take in this impressive former settlement, before lunch and a stop at a lovely Wiltshire country pub. We then continue on to Amesbury, for check-in, dinner, and drinks.
Travel: Take 9:20 from London Waterloo (9:27 Clapham Junction), arr. 10:42 Salisbury. Buy off-peak return to Salisbury.
Sunday 21st June:
Stonehenge Sunrise and Amesbury to Salisbury
Strenuous, 17 miles, 380m ascent
It will be a VERY early start (3:30am!) to walk to Stonehenge in the dark, to join the crowds for sunrise (a torch/headtorch required!). We will then head back to Amesbury for a rest, check-out, and to go for breakfast. The return route then takes us back into Salisbury via another cute country pub, and will hopefully allow some time to see the city, for those who want to.
Travel: Return trains operate at least once an hour until 22:27.
Accommodation:
Please book your own accommodation as soon as possible! The nominated hotel is the Travelodge Amesbury Stonehenge: https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/73/Amesbury-Stonehenge-hotel. Only one night is needed, but space is limited and prices are already high due to the solstice. Other accommodation is possible in Amesbury, but please note that the meeting point for the Stonehenge walk will be the Travelodge.
Organiser: Tom C (07904 126001)