The best walks and hikes around Durrington

Yes, the area is well-known for its circular routes that explore the historic landscape. Many trails are designed to bring you back to your starting point without retracing your steps. A great example is the Stonehenge – Woodhenge loop from Larkhill, which connects two major Neolithic sites in one circuit.

Absolutely. Several footpaths connect Durrington with the wider Stonehenge landscape. You can follow trails that take you along parts of the ancient Avenue, the ceremonial route to the stones, offering fantastic views of the monument from the public rights of way.

Many trails in the open downland are suitable for walking with dogs, but they should be kept on a lead, especially near livestock and during bird nesting season (March to July) to protect ground-nesting birds like the stone curlew. The nearby Avon Valley Nature Reserve is also a popular dog-friendly spot.

The region offers several easier walks perfect for a family outing. The Ice cream van at Stonehenge – Stonehenge loop from Larkhill is a relatively short and flat option with a rewarding destination. The paths around Woodhenge are also generally gentle and provide a fascinating historical context for younger explorers.

Yes, combining a walk with a pub stop is a popular activity. You can plan a circular route that starts or ends near a local pub in Durrington or the surrounding villages. This allows you to explore the countryside and then enjoy some refreshments.

The landscape is dominated by rolling chalk downland, which means you'll encounter gentle slopes and wide-open grassy paths. Most routes are on well-defined tracks, but surfaces can be uneven and become muddy after rain, so sturdy, waterproof footwear is recommended.

For walks focusing on Woodhenge and Durrington Walls, the Woodhenge car park is a convenient starting point. If you plan to walk a route that includes Stonehenge itself, there are several lay-bys and designated parking areas in the surrounding area, such as near Larkhill, which serve as trailheads.

The entire area is a World Heritage Site. A walk such as the Stonehenge – New King Barrows loop from Stonehenge takes you past Bronze Age burial mounds. You can also explore Durrington Walls, a massive Neolithic settlement, and the nearby Woodhenge, with its concentric rings of timber post markers.

The Avon Valley Path, a long-distance footpath that follows the River Avon, passes close to Durrington. You can walk sections of this trail for a scenic riverside experience. For a more challenging day out, the Stonehenge – New King Barrows loop from Larkhill offers a longer 17 km circuit through the heart of the historic landscape.

The chalk grassland and river meadows are rich in wildlife. Keep an eye out for hares, deer, and numerous butterflies. The area is also a key habitat for birds, including the rare stone curlew and the reintroduced great bustard, the world's heaviest flying bird. The River Avon is a chalk stream teeming with life.

Buses connect Durrington to the nearby city of Salisbury, which has a mainline train station. From Durrington, many trails are accessible on foot directly from the village, allowing you to start your hike without needing a car.

The routes around Durrington are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of over 4 stars. Hikers often praise the unique experience of walking through such a significant historical landscape, the wide-open views across the downland, and the variety of circular routes available.