A short Meet will take place in the early hours of Solstice morning at the gateway leading onto the paths to Stonehenge. Once the Meet has finished I will be walking, at the Ol' Druids sedate pace, up the stoney path and across the fields to Stonehenge to witness the sunrise and would welcome anyone to join me. I will be pausing, after 3000mtrs, at The Avenue Noticeboard, just out of sight of the Stones, at 0345 allowing us to regroup after the walk and for any geocachers in the area to join in for the final 10 min walk to Stonehenge. Just look for the lights coming down across the fields. This will give us time to enjoy the festivities, and other activities, before the sunrise at 04.49. Entry to the Stones is free for the Solstice but English Heritage strictly enforce their Conditions of Entry. Please read and take note!
We will be crossing National Trust farmland and wellingtons, walking boots, gaiters and warm clothing are strongly recommended. The grass can be very wet with early morning dew. A torch or headtorch are essential. Due to the nature of the ground wheelchair access is not possible. In previous years we have met sheep, cows and a couple of friendly bulls in the fields. Using waypoints given we will be clear of any electric fences.
NO cycling or dogs are allowed on the NT farmland.
Recommended parking is at Countess Road where there is a long lay-by. The Police and MOD Police often apply short notice parking restrictions in the area. Please be aware that this is a residential area so please keep all noise to a minimum. There will be some non-believers still asleep.
There is likely to be heavy traffic in the area, especially on the A303, so adjust travelling times accordingly.
For those that wish to meet up with us at The Avenue Noticeboard use Gate C Waypoint so there will be no need to climb fences or encounter electric fences. Limited official parking will be available near Stonehenge but is expensive.
English Heritage administer the Stones on behalf of the nation and we will be walking across National Trust ground to get there.
If attending I would strongly encourage you to post a Will Attend so I can keep you informed of any last minute restrictions or alterations to the walk, and also details of the possibility of obtaining a warming drink before leaving and, maybe, before returning to your car.