Swallowhead Spring

## Overview Swallowhead Spring is a revered natural spring located near Silbury Hill and the West Kennet Long Barrow, just outside Marlborough in Wiltshire, England. Situated at approximately 51.4116°N, 1.8562°W, this ancient spring is widely regarded as the true source of the River Kennet — one of the principal chalk streams of southern England. The spring rises at the head of a small valley and has been a site of spiritual and cultural significance for thousands of years, nestled within the remarkable ritual landscape of the Avebury World Heritage Site. Swallowhead Spring holds deep connections to pre-Christian and pagan traditions. It has long been associated with goddess worship and fertility rites, and visitors today will often find ribbons, offerings, and small tokens tied to the surrounding trees and vegetation — evidence of its continued importance as a sacred site. The name "Swallowhead" is thought to derive from the Old English, referencing the point where the water is "swallowed" into or emerges from the chalk downland. The spring flows from the Upper Chalk aquifer that underlies much of Wiltshire's downland. As a chalk spring, the water is naturally filtered through layers of chalk and flint, and historically such springs have been prized for their clarity and mineral content. Visitors have reported the water to be exceptionally clear, though flow can vary significantly with the seasons — the spring may run strongly in winter and early spring but can diminish or even dry up during prolonged dry spells in summer. ## Directions 1. From the A4 road between Marlborough and Beckhampton, look for the layby and parking area near Silbury Hill (there is a small National Trust car park on the A4). 2. From the Silbury Hill car park, cross the A4 carefully and follow the footpath heading south along the River Kennet. 3. Walk along the well-trodden path through the water meadows for approximately 500–600 metres, following the course of the river upstream. 4. The path leads to a small, tree-lined hollow where Swallowhead Spring emerges from the ground. The site is marked by overhanging trees adorned with ribbons and offerings. 5. The walk is relatively flat and easy, though the ground can be muddy and waterlogged, especially in wetter months. Sturdy footwear is recommended. **GPS Coordinates:** 51.41155, -1.85619 ## What to Expect Swallowhead Spring is a quiet, atmospheric place that feels set apart from the surrounding landscape. The spring itself emerges in a small, shaded depression surrounded by mature trees — willows, hazel, and elder are common here. The banks are often decorated with colourful ribbons, crystals, and small votive offerings left by visitors who regard the site as sacred. The water typically pools in a shallow basin before flowing northward to become the River Kennet. In wet seasons, the flow can be quite vigorous and the surrounding meadow lush and green. In dry summers, the spring may slow to a trickle or temporarily cease flowing altogether — this is a natural characteristic of chalk springs in the region. The setting within the Avebury UNESCO World Heritage Site means that Swallowhead Spring is surrounded by some of Britain's most important Neolithic monuments. Silbury Hill, the largest artificial mound in Europe, is visible from the path, and the West Kennet Long Barrow — a 5,500-year-old burial chamber — is a short walk to the south. Many visitors combine a trip to the spring with exploration of these nearby sites. There are no facilities at the spring itself. The nearest amenities, including a pub and small shop, can be found in the village of Avebury, about two miles to the north. The site is open and accessible year-round, and there is no admission charge.