A Last Walk in Avebury with Friends.

A curious llama and his horse and chicken companions watch us pass by. 

Today's walk took us from Clatford Bottom, up over the Marlborough Downs to the Ridgeway and down to Avebury.  We passed a curious llama, although most of us were unsure if he was alive, he stood stock still and never fluttered an eyelid while we walked by.  We made a slight diversion and visited the "The Devil’s Den" dolmen at Clatford Bottom on Fyfield Down near Marlborough.

Vicki peering through The Devil's Den.

This Neolithic burial chamber, once thought to be a long barrow, was described in 1723 by William Stukeley who first recorded it.   The structure comprises of three massive sarsen stones arranged similarly to that of a Welsh ‘Cromlech’ and finished with a massive sarsen capstone. The name "Devil's Den" is believed to have originated from the word "Dillion" meaning a boundary mound.

The structure was rescued from imminent collapse in 1921 by archaeologist A.D. Passmore. Restoration work was undertaken to shore up the dolmen by incorporating a concrete support to one side, and engraved with the year of its salvation - 1921.

Fyfield Down and Sarsen Stones.

Situated on a high plateau of chalk grassland, Fyfield Down displays the best collection of sarsen stones in Britain. Sarsen stones are large boulders of siliceous sandstone that were transported to the area through glacial action during the ice age. Ancient peoples used these stones for building purposes and today they support rare lichen and moss communities.  The site is internationally important for its archaeological interest and is part of a World Heritage Site. 

Another consignment of "Old Speckled Hen" beer is delivered to "The Red Lion"

As we waited for the Marlborough bus, a welcome sight, in the shape of a beer delivery van arrived at the pub!  We walked a 4.5 mile circular walk, and returned to the pub, knowing that the beer would be flowing.  Bob enjoyed his pint, and Joyce didn't have a pudding!  I had a Devon Tickler cheesy jacket potato topped with bacon and with a side salad, and half a pint of beer of course!