Fyfield

Civil Parish in Wiltshire

England

Fyfield

Valley of sarsen stones There are hundreds of sarsen stones in this dry valley which becomes Clatford Bottom a little further down. Sarsens are the remnants of a sandstone layer which once covered the chalk and is dated to between 30 and 40 million years old, or very young in geological terms. On the right is the end of the line of trees known as &#039;The Belt&#039;. — Valley of sarsen stones Credit: Gordon Hatton

Fyfield is a civil parish located in the county of Wiltshire, England. Situated approximately 5 miles southeast of the town of Marlborough, Fyfield covers an area of around 6 square miles. The parish is primarily rural, characterized by rolling hills, farmland, and scattered residential properties.

The village of Fyfield itself is small, with a population of around 300 people. It features a charming collection of traditional stone cottages and houses, along with a few amenities such as a pub and a village hall. The area has a strong sense of community, with regular events and activities organized by local residents.

A notable feature of Fyfield is the presence of several ancient monuments and historical sites. The most prominent is the Fyfield Down Nature Reserve, an important archaeological site that includes a Neolithic long barrow and numerous Bronze Age burial mounds. This attracts visitors interested in the area's rich history and offers opportunities for hiking and exploring the beautiful countryside.

The parish is well-connected to neighboring towns and cities via road, with the A346 running through the area, providing easy access to Marlborough, Swindon, and beyond. Fyfield offers a peaceful and idyllic rural lifestyle, making it an attractive place to live for those seeking a tranquil setting within easy reach of more urban amenities.

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Fyfield Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.418527/-1.786787 or Grid Reference SU1468. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Valley of sarsen stones

There are hundreds of sarsen stones in this dry valley which becomes Clatford Bottom a little further down. Sarsens are the remnants of a sandstone layer which once covered the chalk and is dated to between 30 and 40 million years old, or very young in geological terms. On the right is the end of the line of trees known as 'The Belt'.

Gordon Hatton

Sarsens and hawthorns

This small group of hawthorn trees would appear to be an attractive place for sheep to find shade on hot days. The alternative name for sarsen stones is 'grey Wethers' as it is said that the stones can be mistaken for resting sheep from a distance.

Gordon Hatton

Pasture, Preshute

A bridleway on the eastern part of access land on the Fyfield Downs.

Andrew Smith

Sheep on Fyfield Down

Fyfield Down has one of the largest remaining scatters of Sarsen stones, and is thought to be the source of such stones used in the construction of both Avebury and Stonehenge stone circles. The stones were called "grey wethers" because of their resemblance to sheep.

Vieve Forward

Tail of Fyfield Down in the snow

The tail of Fyfield Down is just visible in the valley bottom in this photograph taken after snowfall in December 2010.

Vieve Forward

Gallops on Fyfield Down

Gareth James

White Horse Trail, Manton

Signpost on the White Horse Trail Link

near Manton. Also attached to the post is a notice saying "Hare coursing is illegal. If witnessed, please report immediately".

Vieve Forward

Field at Manton Farm

Rob Purvis

The White Horse trail, looking north west

Hare coursing is illegal poster on the side of the trail

Rob Purvis

Grey Wethers, Fyfield Down

Sarsen stones which are boulders of sandstone that were transported to the area through glacial action during the ice age. These were used to build the nearby megalithic monuments.

Chris Andrews

From East Kennet to Overton Down and return [59]

Seen from the footpath is this view looking south along the horse gallops. West Wood is seen on the skyline. From East Kennett the walk passes The Sanctuary and, after crossing the A4 road, follows The Ridgeway to Overton Down. A right turn onto Herepath leads to Fyfield Down then footpaths and a bridleway lead back to West Overton village and a minor road runs back to the start. Just over 5½ miles.

Michael Dibb

From East Kennet to Overton Down and return [60]

This view of part of Fyfield Down is seen from the footpath as it leads from the horse gallops to the corner of the field on the right. Fyfield Down has a great array of sarsen stones - large boulders of hard, silicified sandstone. The down is a National Nature Reserve consisting of 800 acres of undulating, hilly land, underlain by chalk and so supporting a diverse range of wildflowers. From East Kennett the walk passes The Sanctuary and, after crossing the A4 road, follows The Ridgeway to Overton Down. A right turn onto Herepath leads to Fyfield Down then footpaths and a bridleway lead back to West Overton village and a minor road runs back to the start. Just over 5½ miles.

Michael Dibb

From East Kennet to Overton Down and return [61]

At this point the footpath crosses a bridleway. This is the bridleway heading towards the southern end of the horse gallops and Down Barn. From East Kennett the walk passes The Sanctuary and, after crossing the A4 road, follows The Ridgeway to Overton Down. A right turn onto Herepath leads to Fyfield Down then footpaths and a bridleway lead back to West Overton village and a minor road runs back to the start. Just over 5½ miles.

Michael Dibb

From East Kennet to Overton Down and return [64]

The wooden fence to the right is the bottom end of the horse gallops seen at SU1370 : From East Kennet to Overton Down and return [59]. The bridleway continues through the gate towards Down Barn. From East Kennett the walk passes The Sanctuary and, after crossing the A4 road, follows The Ridgeway to Overton Down. A right turn onto Herepath leads to Fyfield Down then footpaths and a bridleway lead back to West Overton village and a minor road runs back to the start. Just over 5½ miles.

Michael Dibb

From East Kennet to Overton Down and return [65]

Seen from the bridleway are the horse gallops. The reverse view is seen at SU1370 : From East Kennet to Overton Down and return [59]. From East Kennett the walk passes The Sanctuary and, after crossing the A4 road, follows The Ridgeway to Overton Down. A right turn onto Herepath leads to Fyfield Down then footpaths and a bridleway lead back to West Overton village and a minor road runs back to the start. Just over 5½ miles.

Michael Dibb

From East Kennet to Overton Down and return [66]

The bridleway follows the field edge towards Down Barn which is hidden from view in the dip. Harestone Down and All Cannings Down are in the far distance. From East Kennett the walk passes The Sanctuary and, after crossing the A4 road, follows The Ridgeway to Overton Down. A right turn onto Herepath leads to Fyfield Down then footpaths and a bridleway lead back to West Overton village and a minor road runs back to the start. Just over 5½ miles.

Michael Dibb

Fyfield Down, Wiltshire

A view of the sarsen stones on Fyfield Down. The Downs are part of the Marlborough Downs, about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) north of the village of Fyfield, Wiltshire. The down is a 325.3 hectare biological and geological Site of Special Scientific Interest. The down has the best assemblage of sarsen stones in England, known as the Grey Wethers.

Rebecca A Wills