Pathways > The Pathways book > Processions
Processions
Prehistoric monuments, whether stone circles, henges, avenues or burial mounds are always enigmatic. We will never know for sure why they were built or what they were used for. But some, especially the avenues, seem certain to be processional routes of some sort.
If they are then perhaps the only way to come at all close to their original purpose is to walk them. Archaeologists are beginning to explore the ways in which aspects of the landscape open up and close down as one walks along a line of stones or between the banks of a 'cursus' monument. Could this be an integral part of the experience, perhaps as part of a 'rite of passage' ceremony?
Certainly there is something theatrical about the avenue of standing stones leading in to Avebury. The huge henge monument, with its massive stones, remains completely hidden behind a shallow ridge until almost the last moment. Coming over the ridge the monument heaves into sight, an impressive experience even now.
The Avebury walk, featured in the book, is free to download once you have joined as a member of Walkingworld.
There is a special thread in the Pathways forum on Processions, should you wish to join in the discussion.
Below is a list of other walks visiting ancient monuments:
Ceredigion
This walk is short but full of interest. As well as the obvious ancient monument, the area is the lower end of Artist's Valley and is rich in mosses and other wildlife. ... More info
Cornwall
A pleasant after-dinner walk on a common land, visiting three ancient monuments and offering views to both the north and south coast of the Penwith Peninsula.... More info
Derbyshire
This is a varied walk which will take you (not too steeply) up hill and down dale. There are ancient monuments to see, rocks to climb up (and through) and pleasant views of the Peak District. There are flowers along your way and an inn in Birchover... More info
Dorset
A popular walk on good paths with varied coastal scenery. The route takes in Hengistbury Head Ancient Monument, the Local Nature Reserve and the beach at Sandspit. On clear days, there are outstanding views from Warren Hill towards Christchurch... More info
An easy walk, with only gentle ascents and descents, yet offering splendid views over Weymouth Bay and the Isle of Portland, some spectacular inland panoramas, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and ancient monument, a beautiful hidden valley and... More info
Dumfries and Galloway
Get hooked on Galloway with these easy walks from the bustling, friendly little town of Newton Stewart with its many amenities.
The full circuit, much of it within the delightful sight and sound of tumbling water, offers a taste of Galloway in... More info
Durham
Explore Durham's largest ancient monument site, pitted with the remains of Roman and pre-Roman settlements and later mineworkings. Return on the route of a disused railway, past an impressive dismantled viaduct.... More info
Flintshire
Greenfield Heritage Park has in a very concentrated area, woodlands, reservoirs, ancient monuments and industrial heritage. There are also on site a visitor centre, a farm museum with special features for children and a woodland trail, as well as a... More info
Isle of Wight
An exhilarating circular walk along high clifftops with fantastic views, fascinating geography and interesting history, followed by high downland with panoramic views over much of the island to the mainland beyond. Follow ancient paths past... More info
Midlothian
An exciting walk with widely varied terrain and interest for all. History, ancient monument, a bird watcher's delight and enough demanding country to keep the walker alert.... More info
Norfolk
This is a walk that completes a full circle of Ludham and explores its beautiful surroundings, including its riverbanks and ancient monuments to its shops and picturesque church. There are numerous perfect lunch spots throughout the walk, with... More info
This is a mixed terrain circular walk starting at, and returning to, Tasburgh, South of Norwich. There are ancient monuments, churches, field tracks, a Roman road and riverside meadows, together with opportunities for a variety of refreshments in... More info
Orkney
The best way to visit the evocative ancient monuments in the heart of mainland Orkney is on foot.... More info
Oxfordshire
A scenic walk in the Vale of the White Horse (Oxfordshire) taking in the famous Ridgeway National Trail, a number of ancient monuments including the White Horse, plus a selection of picturesque villages.... More info
Renfrewshire
The walk starts at the Cornalees Bridge Visitor Centre and is almost all along good paths across moorland and alongside water – whether reservoir, loch or Greenock Cut, a designated ancient monument.... More info
West Sussex
This walk encompasses the ancient monuments of Cissbury and Chanctonbury Rings and includes spectacular views of the South Downs.... More info
Wiltshire
This easy walk takes in most of the ancient monuments that surround the village of Avebury. It gives visitors to Avebury an excellent opportunity to see the village and stone circle in the wider context of the surrounding countryside and monuments.... More info