For those who like to walk and cycle and it’s free...
The new Permissive Path at Stonehenge is finally open after a three-year delay waiting for the grass to grow strong enough to bear the weight of a few cyclists and pedestrians.
A group of pedestrians and cyclists from surrounding villages joined together to mark the re-opening of the route, accompanied by former Wiltshire councillor Ian West. He campaigned strongly against English Heritage for the path to be re-opened as specified in a planning agreement.
The right of way passes within a few feet of the Heal Stone and gives free access to the public. The path allows the public to use the old A344 road and the new path from Airman’s Corner roundabout to the A303 free of charge and without any passes.
“It allows you to take some beautiful photographs without having to have a local residents’ pass and then booking your appointment time along with other tourists,” said a jubilant Mr West. “The path opens up the old connection between Shrewton and West Amesbury, if you are brave enough to cross the A303, although the authorities deem it to be a safe crossing,” he added.
Horses are not permitted on the new path, which is part of the old road now grassed over, but they can go from the roundabout to By-Way 12, which passes close to the stones, to Larkhill in one direction and Druids Lodge in the other, free of charge and without passes. This opens up the access to the by-way and allows travel in both directions on horseback.
yourvalleynews.co.uk/frontpage-news/new-stonehenge-path-open-last/
They had to wait until the grass grew... that was nice. Very reassuring. They must be so caring if they care so much. Nice of those who make such decisions about such things to let such people see their stones. It is called "The Permissive Path"and people will be permitted to walk and allowed to take "beautiful photographs".
Apparently the Council has deemed the A303 a safe crossing "if you are brave enough". Let loose the Spirit of St George, roar like a lion and remember the Tufty Club rules.
Oh England... what have you allowed to be done to yourself? I can only hope your new laureate Geoffrey Allerton can come up with something suitable for you all... while the buttered crumpets go soggy in saucers brimming with tears.
youtu.be/8lMexzk3TA8
I know there is something incredibly sad about it all. But never forget in this 'England' of ours, there are plenty of free spaces to wander, think you can even wander all the way round the coast line for free.
No sensible horse would be allowed near the A303, and where do you park to take this by-way I wonder? I suppose Arthur Pendragon will be able to shake his staff angrily at the stones for free though!
My brother works for Natural England and has worked on a long-term project to progressively improve the accessibility of England's coastal path. On many occasions, the team has met with landowners and their lawyers to try to overcome gross obstinacy and pig-headedness. The guidelines they work to try to NOT accept permissive paths because the vision is an unconditional right to walk the coastline.