Silbury Hill

Silbury Hill

Silbury Hill Group Walks | Join a Walk

188m Elevation
32m Prominence
England Country

Join group walks, find walking companions and friends, or organise your own!

Classifications

100-199m Tump

Looking for walking companions?

Don't walk alone! Find friendly walkers to explore Silbury Hill together. Join scheduled group walks or start your own.

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.

Popular Routes

Silbury Hill Circular Walk

Easy

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

Silbury Hill and Avebury World Heritage Site Walk

Moderate

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

Silbury Hill and West Kennett Long Barrow Walk

Easy

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

Silbury Hill to Wansdyke Trail

Moderate

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

Silbury Hill and Overton Hill Walk

Moderate

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

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

Find Walking Companions

Join friendly walkers exploring Silbury Hill and surrounding area

Can't find a walk? Organise your own!

Create a walk and let others join you. It's free and easy!

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