Highlight • Historical Site
Wayland's Smithy Long Barrow
Hiking
5.0
(123)
Mountain biking
4.9
(83)
Cycling
4.7
(18)
Gravel riding
5.0
(3)
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
September 6, 2019
Hiking
July 8, 2020
Mountain biking
February 8, 2023
Hiking
Human remains found on the site indicate that 14 people were interred in an earlier burial structure between 3590 and 3550 BC. Between 3460 and 3400 BC a second far larger barrow was constructed on top. It is the ruins of this that can be explored by visitors to the site today.
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Wayland's Smithy Long Barrow
4.7
(21)
195
hikers
Embark on a moderate hike through the North Wessex Downs on the Uffington White Horse & Wayland's Smithy loop. This 3.9-mile (6.2 km) route, which takes around 1 hour and 41 minutes to complete, features a modest 268 feet (82 metres) of elevation gain. You'll experience wide-ranging views across rolling chalk downlands and the Vale of White Horse, with the iconic Uffington White Horse, a prehistoric hill figure, carved into the hillside as a key visual landmark.
While generally accessible, some sections of the trail may be uneven or stony, and paths can become muddy after rain, so wear appropriate footwear. The terrain includes gravel, dirt, and grass paths, with gradual climbs, especially towards Uffington Castle. This loop is a great option for those looking for a blend of natural beauty and ancient history without an overly strenuous climb.
This trail is rich in historical significance, following parts of The Ridgeway National Trail, one of Britain's oldest thoroughfares. Beyond the Uffington White Horse, you'll discover Wayland's Smithy, a Neolithic long barrow dating back to 3700 BC, and Uffington Castle, an Iron Age hillfort offering panoramic 360-degree views from Oxfordshire's highest point. The entire area is dotted with ancient remains, making your hike a journey through millennia of history.
4.8
(17)
92
hikers
13.9km
03:49
210m
210m
Embark on a moderate 8.6-mile (13.9 km) hike through the North Wessex Downs, a journey that takes around 3 hours and 48 minutes to complete. This loop offers 696 feet (212 metres) of elevation gain across varied terrain, including open chalk downlands, ancient trackways, and woodlands. You will find yourself on hard paths, field paths, and some minor roads, with several moderate slopes and one steep climb. Enjoy magnificent views of the Vale of White Horse as you traverse this captivating landscape.
Be prepared for varied ground conditions; field paths, especially within the Ashdown Estate, are primarily grass and can become muddy and slippery after wet weather. The trail is considered moderate to challenging, requiring good fitness and sure-footedness. While the research does not specify trailhead access or parking details, planning your visit during drier months will ensure a more enjoyable experience on the potentially muddy sections.
This route is steeped in history, guiding you past the iconic 3,000-year-old Uffington White Horse and the well-preserved Iron Age hill fort of Uffington Castle. You will also encounter Wayland's Smithy Long Barrow, an ancient Neolithic burial site, and walk along a grand avenue towards the striking 17th-century Ashdown House. A significant portion of your hike follows The Ridgeway, often called Britain's oldest road, adding to the historical immersion of this memorable walk.
4.6
(25)
82
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 250 m
Free entry
Weather
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Tuesday 2 June
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12°C
98 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 33.0 km/h
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