Discover the mysteries of ancient and medieval England on our new Solos, sociable walking break of discovery. Connect with Stonehenge’s sacred landscapes revered for millennia and explore and wander through the medieval streets of historic Salisbury with your fellow solo ramblers.
Extras
Check-in to the hotel, meet our Tour Leader, fellow Solos guests and enjoy our first evening meal as a group.
Today’s walk will give us an extraordinary journey through the prehistoric landscape surrounding Stonehenge, where ancient history and mystery intertwine. This walk takes us through a collection of fascinating sites dating back thousands of years, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who once roamed these lands.
We’ll begin at Woodhenge and the nearby Durrington Walls, both dating to around 2400 BC— the same period when the monumental stones were being erected at Stonehenge. Imagine the people who lived here 4,400 years ago, possibly the very ones who transported and raised those awe-inspiring stones.
Nearby, you’ll encounter the enigmatic Cuckoo Stone, puzzling for its isolated presence in the landscape. From there, we’ll continue past Bronze Age burial mounds, onto the Avenue, retracing the steps of ancient ancestors as they made their way to Stonehenge itself.
For our last morning walk after checking out we embark on a journey through the medieval town of Salisbury, with its stunning Cathedral standing proudly at its heart. Built 800 years ago, it’s hard to believe that this architectural marvel was constructed in just 38 years. Beginning in 1220 and completed by 1258, the Cathedral is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and remains a masterpiece of early English Gothic architecture. Remarkably, the spire, added 100 years later, is the tallest in the country.
Before stepping inside, we’ll explore the historic marketplace that grew around the Cathedral, followed by a visit to the close, where the canons—the priests in charge of running the Cathedral—once lived. The close is filled with beautiful residences, including Arundells, the former home of British Prime Minister Ted Heath. Many of these homes, though updated over time, still feature medieval details, offering a glimpse into centuries past.
Ideally situated in the Wiltshire countryside, between Salisbury and Stonehenge, this lovely hotel is a perfect base for our sociable Solos walking break.
Facilities include restaurant, bar, free wi-fi, outside seating & fitness room.
Our comfortable rooms include ensuite bathroom with amenities, free WiFi, desk, chair, hair dryer, ironing facilities, coffee/tea making facilities & flat screen TV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Located on the A345 between Amesbury and Salisbury on the outskirts of the cathedral city of Salisbury .
Salisbury Railway station – 5 miles by taxi
Address : The Stones Hotel, Highpost, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 6AT
Two guided walks are included in the programme. 1 x Full day , 1 x Half day
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in your chosen activity holiday. If you are unsure as to whether the walks are within your capabilities, please contact the office to discuss this matter, thus making sure you appreciate the terrain that you will be walking.
It is recommended to bring water & snacks for the walk.
You could be walking across uneven ground in some areas and extreme care must be taken, especially if wet. If used to using a pole/stick, it is advisable to bring it. Please appreciate the route and content of the holiday may change at the time and at the discretion of the guide/organiser, should conditions require. Solo’s Holidays Ltd cannot be held responsible for personal injury, accident or damage to property whilst on these walks other than incidents arising out of the company’s negligence. The guide has the right to refuse to guide a walk with anyone not properly attired.
It is of paramount importance that you have the correct footwear. It is essential to wear walking boots that are comfortable and preferably lightweight, with some ankle support and a good grip. If you already have a pair of boots that you are happy walking in (including during hot/wet weather and on hard ground), then bring these along. However, if you are bringing new footwear, do make sure they are well broken in before you arrive. Experience has shown that wearing 2 pairs of woollen socks adds to comfort.
Whilst we would hope for good weather during your holiday, it is of course impossible to guarantee this. We would therefore recommend you travel with clothing suitable for all conditions, and suggest you use the following checklist as a guideline of what to take:
Walking boots with good ankle support
Waterproofs – jacket and trousers
Walking poles – recommended as they provide good support for the knees, particularly on downhill sections of walks and when conditions are wet/slippery
Lightweight trousers and shorts with pockets
Shirts or t-shirts for walking in
Walking socks – several pairs
Lightweight fleece or jumper
Hat & gloves
Daysack/rucksack for walking
Umbrella – it can be used also for protection from the sun as well as rain
Lightweight drinking bottle to carry water whilst walking
Small first aid kit – plasters, insect repellant, etc
Good, high factor sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses
There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. In order to give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below. The Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual. We suggest a group collection at the beginning of your holiday to cover drivers, guides and hotel staff (including restaurant, kitchen and reception staff) of approximately £10. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of bar staff and housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (the rounding up of the drinks bill and a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, restaurants expect a 10% gratuity (do check that service has not already been added to your bill). For taxis 10% of the metered fare.
The dress code for during the evening is casual.
Average Temperatures
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| January - February | 6 °C | 1 °C |
| March | 9 °C | 2 °C |
| April | 11 °C | 3 °C |
| May | 15 °C | 6 °C |
| June | 18 °C | 9 °C |
| July - August | 20 °C | 11 °C |
| September | 17 °C | 9 °C |
| October | 14 °C | 7 °C |
| November | 9 °C | 3 °C |
| December | 7 °C | 2 °C |
“I’m sure you will enjoy it, I have been on three solos holidays to date and the people I’ve met have been great.”
“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”
“I’ve been on loads of trips with Solos over the years and can honestly say you will not regret booking your 1st one!”
“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”
