SU1068 : Silbury Hill

Silbury Hill

188m Elevation
32m Prominence
England Country
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SU1068 : Silbury Hill

Stephen McKay Photo source

Overview

Silbury Hill

Silbury Hill stands as a testament to ancient human ambition, rising to a humble 40 metres and forming part of the rich prehistoric landscape of Wiltshire. Not quite the height of Everest, but certainly a monumental feat for the Neolithic people!

Geology

Silbury Hill comprises a mix of chalk and clay, making it not just an impressive sight but also a fascinating study in ancient engineering. It is constructed from layers of chalk, skilfully shaped over centuries, leading many to wonder how on earth they managed it without modern machinery. Archaeological findings suggest its construction took place around 2400 BC, hinting at the sheer dedication of our ancient ancestors.

Access

For those making a day trip, the Avebury visitor centre is your best bet for parking. It's a short walk from the Hill itself, and with local public transport options bringing you to Avebury, you won’t need to channel your inner mountain goat to get there.

Facilities

Don't go expecting a five-star hotel, but Avebury does provide quaint cafes and public toilets to refresh and refuel after your excursion. Nothing like a good cuppa post-hike to set the world right!

Views

The vantage points around Silbury Hill offer stunning vistas across the Marlborough Downs — a real visual treat. For the best scenery, aim for spring or summer when the caves burst into life. Keep your camera ready, as you never know when you might capture a cheeky rabbit or a wandering sheep!

History

The origins of Silbury's name offer a peek into its storied past, with potential roots in Old English suggesting a connection to the landscape and its previous inhabitants. The Hill stands not just as a mound of earth but as a historical enigma, prompting discussions about its purpose — burial site, ceremonial focal point, or perhaps a giant, ancient children's playground? While the true reason may elude us, the Hill's grandeur remains undeniable.

In conclusion, Silbury Hill proves that you don’t need lofty heights for awe-inspiring experiences. Just a short wander from Avebury and you’ll find yourself immersed in history and natural beauty. Possibly with a cup of tea in hand! Remember to wear your walking boots and keep an eye out for those muddy patches post-rain.

Explore routes near Silbury Hill

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Devizes Wharf and Caen Hill Lock Flight Towpath Walk

6.3 km ~2h 15m Easy

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Donkey Walk

7.9 km ~1h 34m Easy

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Chiseldon to Barbury Shooting School Circular Walk

13.6 km ~2h 43m Easy

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Chippenham Walk with Men Walking & Talking

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Silbury Hill Circular Walk

This popular route takes you on a circular walk around Silbury Hill, starting from the nearby car park at West Kennett. The path meanders through the picturesque Wiltshire countryside, offering stunning views of the ancient hill and nearby landmarks, such as the West Kennett Long Barrow and the River Kennet. The route is mostly flat but includes some uneven terrain.

5 km ~1.5 hours Easy

Silbury Hill and Avebury World Heritage Site Walk

This extended route connects Silbury Hill with the Avebury Stone Circle and other prehistoric sites in the area. Starting from the Silbury Hill car park, the trail takes you along well-trodden paths to explore the Avebury henge, the largest stone circle in Europe, before looping back via the Ridgeway National Trail. Expect a mix of grassy paths and historical interest points.

10 km ~3.5 hours Moderate

Silbury Hill and West Kennett Long Barrow Walk

This shorter route begins at the Silbury Hill car park and heads directly to the West Kennett Long Barrow, one of the best-preserved Neolithic tombs in the UK. The trail is an easy out-and-back walk, perfect for history enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in the ancient landscape. The route is straightforward and well-marked.

3 km ~1 hours Easy

Silbury Hill to Wansdyke Trail

This more challenging route ventures from Silbury Hill to the Wansdyke, an ancient linear earthwork. Starting at the Silbury Hill car park, the trail climbs gently onto the Marlborough Downs, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. The route includes some steep sections and uneven terrain, making it best suited for experienced walkers.

12 km ~4 hours Moderate

Silbury Hill and Overton Hill Walk

This scenic route begins at Silbury Hill and follows part of the Ridgeway National Trail to Overton Hill. Along the way, you'll pass through open countryside, chalk downlands, and ancient burial mounds. The route offers a peaceful and rewarding experience, with opportunities to see a variety of wildlife and enjoy expansive views.

8 km ~2.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

100-199m hill

Elevation

188m

615 ft

Prominence

32m

Coordinates

51.4158, -1.8575

SU100685

OS Map

173

Explorer: 157

At the Summit

At the top, you’ll find an impressive flat area, although visitors are not allowed to climb the Hill itself. Instead, take in the views from the surrounding paths.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with compact earth paths.

Silbury Hill is predominantly composed of chalk and clay and is believed to be a Neolithic burial mound. Its construction method has intrigued archaeologists for decades, with its massive scale making it a significant earthwork.

Views & Scenery

From around Silbury Hill, you can see the rolling landscape of the surrounding Marlborough Downs, as well as the iconic Avebury Stone Circles.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Silbury' might derive from the Old English word 'sil', meaning 'silt' and 'burh', indicating a fortification or mound.

Historical Significance

Silbury Hill is believed to date back to around 2400 BC and is one of the largest prehistoric artificial mounds in Europe. Its purpose remains a mystery, adding to the allure of this ancient site.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is parking available at the Avebury visitor centre, approximately 1 mile from Silbury Hill.

Public Transport

Several bus routes run to Avebury from nearby towns, check local services.

Nearby Facilities

The nearby Avebury village offers cafes and public toilets for visitors.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Keep an eye out for mud after rain; it can get quite slippery around the paths.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Silbury Hill?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Silbury Hill through the maps

Are there other walkers around Silbury Hill?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Silbury Hill search or of course create your own walk for Silbury Hill

Can I organise a walk to Silbury Hill?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Silbury Hill.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Silbury Hill?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Silbury Hill here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

Silbury Hill location map

Grid reference: SU100685

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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