|
|
|
Click on thumbnail to view full size picture of sarsens on Fyfield Down FYFIELD DOWN TO TEMPLE FARM
General :- This 8.5 mile route starts at English Nature's Fyfield Down Nature Reserve car park. The information board tells the story in detail but in brief the geology in this area is unique, sarsens are not found scattered across the ground like this anywhere else in Europe. It would be hard to call it spectacular but the place does have a quiet peaceful air about it, its a nice place but it's hard to explain why. The Celtic word for stranger is "sarsen" and once you know this it's an easy step to guessing how the stones got their name, it's hard to believe they got there naturally. The sarsens are made out of Silicrete, a hard silica crust that broke into pieces when the earth cooled to an artic climate and glaciers ripped through the valley. The bit I really like is that 50 million years ago this area had a tropical climate, so much for global warming! If you want to learn about English Nature have a look at their website on www.english-nature.org.uk This is an easy walk that's good for any time of year. The return journey goes through a very wealthy farming area and the last part skirts around the Manton House racehorse stables where you can often see the horses out on the gallops. There is no pub on this walk. How to get there:- Go east on the M4 from Marlborough for 1 mile. just as you leave the last house there is a narrow road to the right at SU 1694 6881 signposted "House & Hollow". Go up this road for 1 mile to a small car park on the left at Wp start.
|
