Wild Camping on The Great Stones Way.

The Great Stones Way runs for 37 miles from Barbury Castle, five miles south of Swindon to Old Sarum 2 miles north of Salisbury. For logistical reasons this trail has to run from Swindon to Salisbury and if you jump off trail to visit all the sites of antiquity that are either side of the trail it probably comes in at about 60 miles. For this reason I decided to split it into three sections and visit as much as I can. This is section one, The Avebury Complex.
Of course this means leaving the trail and on day two I joined the Mid Wilts trail and the White Horse trail down to Wansdyke Path that would bring me back to the Great Stones Way at Alton Priers and the end of this walk. No more than 20-25 miles walked over two and a half days, so a slow one. There was a beautiful ebb and flow about the whole walk though, I'd walk hard for about an hour and then stop for two, I know...but it was a breath of fresh air, literally. In truth I'd planned to do the whole linear walk all the way and just stick to the trail but I got so distracted by the hills in the distance and with old forts all around I got myself going a bit. This route was an obvious one after a quick look at the map, but I also had a little book with me that captured my imagination as I was reading it as I went. It felt so good to just change plan within an hour of starting but now with the best part of three days I could slow it down and have a proper look round. I've also got to mention the birds, never seen as many Hawks, Red kites on any walk before, a really good sign as it shows a healthy food source. It's true to say that Wiltshire has captured my heart and my imagination, all those dark dark story's of the stones and the people who built all the many monuments, some that go way back to who really knows when. My book has a theory that is quite compelling once there amongst the very landscape that the author is describing. Just want to add some context to what I'm actually looking at, instead of just seeing the pretty stones and then on my way. This area is so rich, layer after layer of history there for all to see, but it's subtle, and needs a slower pace to take it all in. My intension now is to extend TGSW and do three videos that take us right down into Dorset and the Neolithic port of Wareham back in view of the Purbeck Hills, as all these ridge roads were connected thousands of years before the Romans claimed them. A big claim but I hope to delve a little deeper as we go.
I don't plan to do the next section until, maybe spring. We will see but the spring equinox sounds nice as this walk was on the weekend after the autumn equinox, and you can imagine my surprise when I arrived at the circle just in time for the Pagan gathering. I'd made my mind up on the new route by then so stuck around and had a couple of interesting hours chatting to the beautiful folk all dressed up for the occasion, even had a pint in the pub. The National trust allows camping at the stones only four times a year, the solstices and the equinoxs, and I was tempted, very tempted as live music and a real festival vibe was getting going but I was on a mission so hit the trail again up to Windmill Hill to listen to the fun down the valley until way after dark, but no regrets. This walk would have ended had I stayed or changed again into something now unrecognisable from the original plans.
The edit again was an absolute joy, editing to the music can bring some good results especially when the rhythm matches the ebb and flow of the walk. Many laugh out loud moments and many different versions but after chopping and changing, cutting it down from well over an hour I'm happy with it. Finally.
Music. Audio Network.com
Snowflake
Ions in the rain
Runes
Lovers Lament
Burned land
Tale of the hills
Ravens
I cross this land
Spirit of the forest
Secret Beauty
In loving Memory

[@signchap]

Jim, get yourself on the telly. The British public need blokes like you to entertain us. Terrific stuff as always, and I am completely jealous that you have this landscape so close to home. All the best fella, Andy.

[@JimHolden]

Thank you Andy it is a remarkable area for sure with all the subtle history round every corner. Just taking it on face value and not getting into the history it's simply beautiful looking out over the Downs with the chocolate box villages. You should get yourself down here and check it out for yourself Andy, highly recommended mate. Cheers.

[@oliverstoutner5322]

Wow! What a powerful experience! Thank you for sharing your fantastic energy with the world. Nice, tight production too! Well done sir.

[@PaulOutdoors]

Stunning Jim from start to finish. I was with you there every step of the way. You say in the video description "man I was going to be big".... both you and Mark the Wye Explorer are storytelling film makers par excellence with a god given ability to reach in to the viewers psyche. Big you are. Wiltshire has always had a magical, mystical attraction for me and differs greatly to Herefordshire where I live. There is something about the land, the Wiltshire landscape. I visited back in 2012 and must return soon. A crop circle tour and West Kennet Long Barrow were two highlights amongst so many. Looking forward to more Jim. Paul 👍😊

[@JimHolden]

Thank you Paul always appreciate your wisdom my friend. The bottom comment in the description was for the few that have commented and emailed with advise on how to grow the channel. Good people, friends, and all great advise but I'm more than happy with how things are. Now I have time to really get to know an area. Nothing better than a first visit in a new area, like here in Wiltshire. We had a cottage for the week back during the hot summer and I had a drive round and a proper look at all the maps, then I found the book. Talk about inspired and you are right there is something about the land. That central triangular table land as the book describes this part of Wiltshire was the first area to drain away, so the first farming would have taken place here but being central it has a special energy, I could feel it. My mind was focused throughout even though the roads are busy and you have a job to lose the sound in some places, for me the energy stayed strong, I was on a mission and I felt in tune with it. Sounds cheesy but I know you'll get it Paul as some walk are like that. It's the tuning in that's the trick the re connecting. Hard to put into words but my goal, always is to try and capture that golden moment of joy on camera as that is at the heart of what it's all about. Hope you get back to Wiltshire one day Paul, when you do give me a shout and I'll pop up and say hello. Be great to meet you. Cheers mate.

[@WyeExplorer]

Hey, Paul you have to get back to that landscape and do some exploring. Kind words there my friend. I trust you're well. Mark

[@PaulOutdoors]

@@WyeExplorer My words Mark are heartfelt. Both you and Jim have a god given talent, a gift and yes, a return to Wiltshire is a must. A case of when not if 👍😊

[@PaulOutdoors]

@@JimHolden You captured "that golden moment" Jim in spades; you recreated perfectly the magic through your storytelling that I felt on the ground when I visited back in 2012. Difficult to adequately put in to words and yes, when I return I will be sure to let you know. A meet up would be an absolute pleasure Jim. Paul 👍😊

[@WyeExplorer]

@@PaulOutdoors Ah, your so generous Paul. It's a great quality of yours. See you in Wiltshire in the future.

[@margaretborriello]

Hi Jim just had to leave you a comment , Your videos are outstanding I love love love them. They are Brilliant from start to finish and should be on mainstream Tv 📺. The music you use on the videos is SO emotional 🥲. I f I have had a bad day your videos are my go too . Thank you Jim and please 🙏 make many many more . Margaret x

[@JimHolden]

Morning Margaret, thank you for your wonderful comment, I had a very tough few days last week and had moments that I felt a little defeated. Your comment came in during one of those moments. It gave me a true lift, so thank you. I intend to do many more videos moving forward, sadly not as often as I used to, I made a decision to slow it down and focus on quality rather than quantity. There are plans for a couple of trips before I return to the Great Stones Way next Spring hopefully in the Mountains as I love the high peaks in winter. Thank you again Margaret and take care out there.

[@margaretborriello]

@@JimHolden Hi Jim I m SO Glad I helped you, I seem to know when someone needs a friend , you were more than welcome 🙏. Yes I think 🤔 quality rather than quantity is the way too go, and as you said do most of them in the mountains 🏔️ were you are Happiest you will enjoy 😉 making them more , I think that’s the way forward for your channel Jim we’re ever you Jim make your videos they are outstanding So Good Luck 🍀 and Stay positive take care Jim 😘

[@time_and_tide]

Incredible video Jim, has to be the best thing I have ever seen on KZbin. Thank you for making it. If people were watching this on the tv of an evening then the world would be a lot better place. Can’t wait for part 2! Keep on raising the vibration Jim. All the best

[@JimHolden]

Bless you J, really appreciate it. It was a labour of pure love from start to finish, what a fascinating part of the world this is though. Inspired before I even set off so I can't wait for part 2 as well. Thanks for watching mate.

[@shakermker7014]

Beautiful Jim. As always, well put together and great info. look forward to the next vid. Also, SDW 2023.... go on Jim, it's time!

[@sevrin1965]

Absolutely wonderful as always Jim, your filmmaking just gets better and better, and the pure unadulterated joy of what you are experiencing shines through with every scene, Wiltshire is a truly magical place and this walk was an experience to behold, all the best Sev!

[@therealnightbatmrnightbat4987]

Beautiful video, I can't believe this was all a one man show! I came across this while planning my Megalithic back country camping trip for this May. I was born in Hythe Hampshire but have spent my whole life in California studying the rich native history here . Excited to get back to my roots and this has helped me profoundly. 🙏

[@novembersierra6041]

Jim you’ve been inspiring me for years 😊

[@JimHolden]

Thank you my friend, we all inspire each other. Cheers.

[@davidmclaughlin2796]

That's just beautiful Jim, thank you as always. David

[@WiltshireMan]

That was a bit of an outpouring of the soul to create this wonderful video Jim. Thankyou. A sheer pleasure to sit back and take it all in. I know many of the places very well:)

[@JimHolden]

Thank you Sandy, and a true compliment from someone that knows this area well, really appreciate it mate but it was so much fun to make. Just taking my time trying to get it right, failing and trying again with no pressure, just fun. Gotta be honest though, this area and the stones took me by surprise. Filled me with inspiration and I just wanted to do them justice. Thanks again mate.

[@markkendall9167]

Hi Jim, Another epic. Interesting, mysterious and glorious, glorious filming and music. Can't wait for the next installment. Keep doing what you do best - you are very special at this.

[@BreakBeatStu]

Glad you are still getting out there and making videos Jim. Brilliant work, thank you 🙏

[@sweetloveelmo]

Much gratitude and blessings.

[@DaveGoodman1959]

Ohh Jim now that was an absolute pleasure a real joy to watch all the way through. Thank you for going to so much effort and I'm sure you enjoyed it. Having once had a friend in Devizes I have been lucky to have visited all those places and many years ago walked the Ridgeway to finnish at Avebury on the summer solstice. Thank you Jim. Kind regards 👍🍻

[@JimHolden]

Thanks Dave, it was a lot of fun. Not just the walk but having the cameras and building up the footage adds to the overall excitement and on a walk like this there is so much to see. Awesome area and my first real time there but I can't wait to get back. Cheers mate, hope you get back there one day.

[@fellandmoor54]

What great watch really enjoyed this Jim stunning scenery , history and your choice of soundtrack was perfect .🖖

[@Tonywozere99]

Thanks Jim, another profound capture of nature in your charming inimitable way. I've heard accounts that the 20 foot banks and ditches of the Avebury complex, and Silbury Hill too, were originally clad in white chalk, adding to the sense of awe. Only now are they grassed over. Incidentally, I've been working and living in Chelsea as an artisan this year. On one of my walks around the village after work, I noticed a signboard, sponsored by Bill Wyman a past resident, that Chelsea derives its name from the Anglo-Saxon word for chalk, Chelce (sp?). There was a harbour there for its delivery but I'm not sure what it was all used for.

[@joncadman4935]

Boom!!! Having a tough time at the minute Jim with lots cluttering the old head space, then what drops into my lap, a video from Jim, bloody awesome, can't wait to grab a brew and settle in for the ride, all the best buddy and thanks as always for brightening a very 'cloudy day'...take care👍

[@JimHolden]

Morning Jon, don't like the sound of that mate. Hope you are well and the video helped in some small way. I'm just back from a fresh walk round my area, a beautiful sunrise over damp misty fields after what seems like weeks of high winds and way too much rain. But this morning everything felt right. The crows were chattering all around and the distant sound of people rushing to work down the busy road a few miles away kept me focused. I too must go to work soon but for now I kinda feel at peace. I send good vibes my friend and an apology for the late reply, but out here the wifi comes on when it feels like it and I have no choice but to sit and wait for it's return once it drops out. Thanks as always for watching. Take care mate.

[@catherinewalks1207]

There's something about the whole landscape people shaped long ago there in Wiltshire - even if we can't decipher it fully we feel it. Thank you for your wonderful exploration, especially the beautiful drone footage. Very much looking forward to further chapters.

[@JimHolden]

Very true Catherine, I just wanted to stick around, slow it down and take it all in. There is so much more to this area as well, so I intend to zig zag my way down through the next section very slowly, and I'm really looking forward to it as well. Thanks for watching.

[@grantswheelstohills]

Thanks Jim for sharing, your passion for this area. Really look forward to seeing the rest of your films. 👍

[@JimHolden]

Thank you, and thanks for watching.

[@stevecedwards5393]

Brilliant video Jim loved every minute of it they just get better and better thank you so much for sharing your hard with us. Can’t wait for the next one 👍 take care Jim

[@JimHolden]

Thanks Steve, a true labour of love, the whole prosses is a lot of fun as far as hobbies go I don't think it can be beat. Cheers mate.

[@stevecedwards5393]

@@JimHolden looking forward to the next part 👍 thanks Jim

[@martynjones7824]

I love it when I see Jim Holden has uploaded a video! Mate you never disappoint. Your photography and soundtrack are always top notch. A true artist with an absolute love of the great outdoors. Thank you as always and I can't wait for part two!

[@JimHolden]

Thank you Martyn, I love getting creative and a walk like this needs a bit of explaining really. Had I not had the inspiration of my little book it might have been a different watch but reading as I went kinda directed my next move and I loved the spontaneity of all that. A beautiful rich area that I'm really looking forward to getting back to. Cheers mate.

[@WyeExplorer]

Jim that was a real joy end to end. I haven't seen your uploads in recent times - I have some catching up to do. But this was a journey into ancestry and its many multi-dimensional layers. I could feel and sense the language of our forebears and your excitement made it all the more understandable. I agree it is a fantastic landscape - no high peaks but a great landscape none the less. Ha, just had a thought of that sharpening stone where you began. Them little things are windows into the long line of life. Great to see Averbury - I have good memories of being there with Paul with a similar ceremony going on. Well, a decent trek out and explore. Good going my friend. Take care. Mark

[@JimHolden]

Morning Mark, yes it’s been a while mate but my time on here these days is very limited I’m afraid. Last year I found a fabulous pitch for my van. With Good friends and in a beautiful part of the Hampshire countryside. It ticks all the boxes except one (Wi-Fi) there is non, well it is intermittent at best. My evenings watching all my friends on YT has taken a hit. But life is good Mark, I’m loving it here and will be getting back into the vlogs on a more regular moving forward as that is something I’m not prepared to let go, not yet anyway. I love it, getting out with the cameras and waiting for the magic to happen, nothing better but I know I’m preaching to the converted as for me your channel is the most consistent quality viewing out there. Drop the ego and glory on this beautiful mysterious land that we call home. As I’ve said many times you and Paul inspired me to start this channel and will always give credit where it’s due. Thank you for watching my friend, really appreciate you being here.

[@WyeExplorer]

@@JimHolden Sometimes in life Jim we have to take a wide arc - nothing we can do to avoid it. So, you'll be back when ready. Great to hear of the pitch and that life is good - it looked it in the video. Oh, yeah I know you love the vlogging of our wondrous world mate. I've always enjoyed that about you. Thanks for your kindness. See you out there.

[@georgenicol3118]

Top quality video Pops! Great seeing you in your natural habitat, as always 🪨🏕🧙🏽‍♂✌☮❤

[@JimHolden]

Thanks mate.

[@paplin1969]

Jim your videos should be prescribed on the NHS thank you so much.

[@JimHolden]

Thank you Paul, really appreciate it mate.

[@davidsanderson1891]

Hi Jim. Fantastic video. Beautiful scenery. And information. Great Editing. Thank you so much for your time and work in making These adventures. Its an absolute pleasure to watch. Looking forward To the next episode. Stay safe my friend. Old dave (Sunderland)

[@JimHolden]

You are very welcome Old Dave, really enjoy every part of the prosses from the planning to the upload it's all fun. Cheers mate.

[@alanarmer8069]

Wow what a fantastic video Jim,beautiful interesting and a joy to watch mate ⛺️⛺️

[@JimHolden]

Thank you Alan, really appreciate it mate.

[@stevesdaysoff2759]

Great video Jim and really enjoyed watching. Atb Steve.

[@MrJan50]

Already watched this twice and will no doubt watch it again. Superb viewing as always, Jim. To think, I pay for a tv license that allows me to watch garbage when this is available online. Keep on trucking, fella.

[@JimHolden]

Thanks Joe, really appreciate it but I'd get rid of your TV mate.

[@tweedyoutdoors]

Beautifully made video of many places I love.

[@JimHolden]

Thank you, it's one of them areas that has too much to explore with a single trip. I'll be coming back soon as I just love it round here. Cheers.

[@jessicapayne8622]

Omg this is lush! Next summer I’ll be planning some mischief with the grandson doing exploring for stone age man’s with feathers in their hair chasing dinosaurs around for their tea. What?? He’s 2 now and will be nearly 3 when I borrow him From my daughter for the week.. we shall also be looking for fairies and pixies that have come To Somerset/Wiltshire on holiday! Again…. He’s a toddler!

[@JimHolden]

Hiya Jessica, thank you for watching and I hope your trip next summer will be good with your Grandson. Cheers.

[@StansOutdoorAdventures]

Great to see you back Jim. Just read your opening credits. Some very interesting mind pondering theory's 👍 Looking forward to watching. ATB..

[@JimHolden]

Morning Craig, the opening credits are from my book, my daughter thought they were my words and to be honest they could have been as the author lived close by and my experience of these hills mirors his. That's why the little book resonated so much and had to play a part, so on the last minute of the edit decided to include the Preface to add context. Hope you enjoyed the vid mate. Cheers.

[@StansOutdoorAdventures]

@@JimHolden Very interesting Jim. The video was fantastic as ever. What is the title of your book please?

[@JimHolden]

@@StansOutdoorAdventures It's called The Green Roads Of England. it's an old one Craig, much prefer the older writers as they seemed to write more from the heart than the head. Cheers mate.

[@joewebb8228]

Good to see another video Jim. It’s a shame we don’t see you as frequently these days.

[@JimHolden]

Thanks Joe, but I just don’t get the opportunity to travel like I used to, my Grandkids take a lot of my time nowadays as my family is expanding. All good for sure but when I do get out with the cameras I want to try and do the area justice and make the best vid that I can. I’ll be up in the mountains this winter before I return to TGSW in spring so lots of plans moving forward. Thanks again Joe really appreciate you watching.

[@lisakinahan6105]

Stunning video. Makes me want to go back on the Ridgeway . Love the polishing stone .

[@JimHolden]

Thanks Lisa, it was my first real trip up there and was shocked just how much it impacted me. From the views to the bird life but the real joy came from the History, for me anyway. Cheers.

[@DorsetPiper.]

Tremendous Jim, many thanks for introducing me to another fascinating walk that I will most certainly have to do. I have just done a large section of the South Dorset Ridgeway minus the slog along Chesil as per a previous film of yours so this is right up my street. Cheers.

[@JimHolden]

I've planned to take this walk all the way to Wareham, and I'm looking forward to it as well, it's given me a new lease of life discovering just how connected all these ridge roads are. A fantastic area not unlike the SDR another cracker of a walk and I'm not surprised you too skipped the old beach. It freaked me out when I first saw just how long, isolated it is. Not only that but I got there at the end of day two and the legs had gone as well as the bottle. It is well worth doing though as I did the year later but I was ready for that isolation then, and really enjoyed it out there. Never do again, that I do know, it's not one of them walks but a great experience for sure. We live in a fantastic country. Thanks for watching.

[@antonyholden5439]

Very good Journey Jim enjoyed it very much Ant😉👍

[@JimHolden]

Thanks for watching brother. Good to see you on here.

[@asaandthemarchharepart267]

Hi there mate. How are you doing. Well I must say this is absolutely awesome vlog. So interesting. Such history on our doorstep. So many places in the Vale of Pewsey. Never beat dartmoor but gives it a close run. Definitely going to visit the Yew Tree at Alton Priors. Take care Jim, looking forward to watching the next episode in the future. All the best mate. Always

[@JimHolden]

Hiya Asa, good to hear from you again. Hope you are well my friend and still enjoying the March Hare. I don't think you can compare Dartmoor with round here. For me they were the same people that had spread down into the west country. Back then it was all standing stones to mark the way, settlements around circles and a way of life so close to nature. To us modern people it's all a mystery as we can't see the value in being that close to source anymore but in truth it's our only hope, to return, and I genuinely believe that's where we are going. The Yew at Alton Priers is nearly 1800 years old and is said to have been planted at the grave of one of the knights of the round table. Another time in history but it shows just how much this landscape will reveal if you have a mind to look. Thanks for watching Asa, take care mate.

[@corvusdoom]

Cheers Jim for the info. Great video as usual. All the best.

[@JimHolden]

No problem I should have included it in the first place so thanks for the nod and thanks for watching.

[@davemassingham2096]

Great vid Jim you have one hell of a squeaky voice though 😂loved it great bit of history

[@JimHolden]

I had a real laugh through the edit Dave deciding just how fast to make it, this is gentle compared to the first run. Thanks mate.

[@andycoombes161]

Love watching your videos Jim. Really calming and beautifully made. They always remind me theres so much in this world that's good despite the events of the past few years. Nature's stunning, it's just that too many of the people in high places are bad. I try to make that THEIR problem and videos like yours help greatly. Hope that makes sense:)

[@jakeymadball]

What a fantastic video! Just returned from the Avebury WHS for the third time and this shows just how much I've still got to see in the area. Definitely going to get hold of that book as well. Can't wait for the next installment, thanks so much for sharing 👍🏼

[@JimHolden]

I did plan to walk the linear trail of the GSW but could see clearly that it would miss so much great stuff that surrounds the circle. Clearly this trail was designed to include both circles of Stonehenge and Avebury and the bits and pieces that happen to fall on the same line, but for me the walk has to include the lot, to tell the full story we have to include the forts and the green roads that would have linked everything together. A fascinating area that covered an enormous amount of the southern downs. I can't wait to get back and explore further but will wait now until after the winter as this area has to be shown in it's best light, so I have planned another trip early spring. Thanks for watching Jake, really appreciate it.

[@jakeymadball]

@@JimHolden I think you made the right choice. The bit at Fyfield gave me goosebumps! Good luck with the next trip, and thanks for sharing 👍🏼

[@callanist]

Thank you so much, Jim, for sharing your exploration of this magical landscape - always worth waiting for your videos. I've walked the lands surrounding Avebury, and felt in awe of the sense it brings of people & their works from long long ago - I've been feeling the need to go back and your inspiration will send me there again very soon. As you say, these landscapes just go on forever. Clive

[@JimHolden]

I set out on this walk Clive with a purpose, to get to Old Saram within three days. Not understanding that an area like this will be missed if your mind is on the long walk. I couldn't understand it at first, kinda felt like I wasn't up for it anymore. But once I checked the map again I could see a clear route that would keep in this area and considerably extend the overall walk. More intense but much more subject matter to film and to really get into it. Thanks as always my friend for sticking around and continuing your support. Really appreciate it mate.

[@steveparkinson8887]

Absolutely nothing short of superb, I salute you and your efforts!!

[@JimHolden]

Thank you Steve a labour of love for sure. Cheers mate.

[@Extased]

Beautiful video. I live in a small village near Stonehenge and have gravitated towards here over the years. This part of the world is full of mysticism and feels as close to untouched as can be from those ancient times. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos, I learned loads about a place I thought I knew a lot about! Never seen the polishers stone before, nor the Devels Den. Found this really moving. And your choice of music is always spot on by the way 👌

[@JimHolden]

Thank you Andrew. It's a stunning area and I mean that literally, you are lucky to live amongst that energy. Never felt a strong energy like that before, I felt part of it. Almost felt at home and it stunned me. That's why I stuck around to explore the whole area and I intend to do the same right down into Dorset. Cheers mate.

[@jonm4989]

Educational and enjoyable as per usual Jim. Really enjoyed learning about a part of England I know little about. Take care of yourself and many thanks.🙏

[@JimHolden]

Thanks Jon, I was the same mate. I knew about the circle and the complex surrounding it but until I went there with an agenda of real exploration I'd no idea just how special this area is. Thank you for watching Jon, really appreciate it.

[@abdabs30]

Absolutely amazing video once again !! Truly love your contents , so interesting & informative, I’ve just purchased the Green Roads of England from Oxfam, looking forward to having a read. Look forward to part two of this …well done & thank you 😊

[@JimHolden]

Wow, there's me thinking I'd found a one off. But maybe Oxfam had a job lot sent to them as mine was found in Oxfam in Shaftsbury. A cracking read, for me the writers of the 19c had more freedom to express there thoughts, instead of just parroting the official narrative like more modern writers do. Thanks for watching Abigail and for your wonderful comment.

[@rialobran]

Great to see that grin back on our screens. What an edit! From the wildlife captures to the drone footage a veritable feast for the eyes. History is my soft spot, though I'm more Bronze Age and Early Medieval with a smattering of tin mining. I reckon we'd kill some hours over a few pints :)

[@JimHolden]

Morning Si, the edit had me in a spin for days before the upload. I edit to the music now and find it can bring great results but it's got to be right. Each time I downloaded into the laptop the music kept slipping only by a second or so but the flow felt wrong so back in to adjust things and it took several attempts to get it right but I wasn't going to give up on it. Never thought I'd see Deer on this trail, and didn't expect quite as many birds of prey either as I filmed many more, way too many to include here. A stunning area Si, kinda surprised me as most walks do these days, maybe I'm looking at things differently, lower expectations I don't know but I'm really enjoying it. Good to hear from you my friend and I seem to remember us talking about having a pint together way back when. Next time I'm down your way I'll let you know as historical conversations over a few pints with great company, doesn't get any better than that. Thanks for watching my friend, hope alls well with you.

[@TheWholePointOutdoors]

Absolutely beautiful video, Jim. A joy to watch from beggining to end. Incredibly excited for the next part. This has absolutely inspired me to visit some of the places in the video. Fantastic work. All the very best. 👌

[@JimHolden]

Thank you, it's a wonderful area for sure. One that took me a little by surprise if I'm honest. I've been to see the stones before but was in the mindset that there are too many people, the noise of the local roads interrupted my flow. All bollocks as the wrong mindset is all mine but on this walk the mind was still, focused on the history and the job in hand. I wanted to capture a vibe, to transfer something magical onto video. Impossible I know but the trying gives you something special. To arrive at the stones after walking the Ridgway is the only way to arrive, down the avenue and I would recommend a walk up to Windmill hill and the views back down to Silbury and the Circle. Equally the walk out to Oldbury and beyond. So many wonderful short walks all round the complex. Thanks again.

[@TheWholePointOutdoors]

I Completely understand where you're coming from regarding the tranquility and a sence of wanting to hear natural sounds etc... It enhances the vibe ten-fold... And that is one of the things I'm always trying to capture when I'm out and about... Solitude and tranquility, as well as all the natural beauty surrounding me. We can, and will persevere in the persuit of it... I'm sure of that. I'll take your recommendation of Windmill Hill, I'll find some time to make a trip up there. Thanks, Jim look forward to seeing more uploads. All the best mate. 👍

[@scottroberts7875]

In the morning mist a young goat herder tightened his belt. The haunting sound wasn't Bear or Wolf.high upon the palisades a Watchmen also heard it a Carrnyx. Held aloft, above an Army.His blood ran ice cold...Celts Scott Somerset

[@JimHolden]

Oh man that struck a cord Scott. Fantastic imagery from your words as I was trying to figure out how a massive culture powerful enough to make these monuments could just vanish. The Celts. You are spot on and yes It must have been terrifying after the safety of the ridge for who knows how long. Thanks mate, hope alls well with you.

[@scottroberts7875]

I am well Jim, thanks for asking... I was going to write poetry in reply to your mesmeric and enchanting short film... But ...as you could see , i chose a differently. Ps That heart of Yew had all but gone, though its lifeblood still pumps Strong .. looking forward to Subsequent parts of this Wonderful series . ATVB2U my friend. Scott

[@JimHolden]

@@scottroberts7875 You have a wonderful way with words Scott. My imagination throughout this walk had the Neolithic folk dancing on the ramparts of the hill forts completely white from working with the chalk, just doing there thing keeping an eye on the bad lands. But the people outside that witnessed there dancing got the wrong idea and stayed away, instead writing monstrous storys about them and that's what's in the history books. I get a gut feeling they were just farmers perfecting there skills and living in peace. Until the Celts came. This is where your words resonated big time with me as I too had thought just how utterly terrifying it would have been for this culture to suddenly have the ramparts overthrown. No prisoners back then. I felt a strong energy Scott, within the first hour or two, just wanted to stick around. Can't explain it as I was well prepared and well up for the big walk that was planned. I was just sat there at the polisher stone reading my book for a couple of hours getting deeper in to the zone. Loved it man, I just knew there was too much to see, explore, to just stick to the trail. Glad all's well mate.

[@scottroberts7875]

@@JimHolden Governments , rulers and self ordained Kings. those that employ smoke and mirrors. for Fear is the mind killer, the favoured employee of those that are carried on the backs of the meek. Bon Chance mon amie

[@theenglishherbalist]

Oh Jim! All is right with the world, well my world anyway - your magical masterpiece, a mug of tea and a cheese and onion toastie 😆. What a majestic, marvellous ramble across our ancient land. I'm Druid so appreciated this immensely, the old region, the ancients, the ancestral paths of mysticism and wonder, beneath the feet of all - if like you, we'd only stop to look. Thank you my friend, looking forward to the second instalment, Niki.

[@JimHolden]

Morning Niki, I thought about you on this walk, wondered if maybe you were part of the gathering at the stones. Such a treat to turn up there just at the right time and see everyone enjoying themselves. Got chatting with many there and nearly camped on there field for the night as they had a mini festival planned for the evening. Sadly I was on a mission and slipped away up to Windmill Hill to listen to the live music echoing across the valley. The whole walk was magical as I came with a plan but felt compelled to slow down and take it all in. It felt like a this is it moment, kind of. Just couldn't put my finger on it but I knew it was powerful. Loved every minute exploring imagining and just being there on them very hills overlooking that fascinating complex. Sorry for the late reply Niki, but I'm back out in the sticks and wifi is intermittent at best. Thank you for watching and take care out there.

[@theenglishherbalist]

@@JimHolden What an honour; to be thought about on your walk, I'm truly humbled. I wasn't at the gathering as I run a Druid grove here in Norfolk so we celebrate in our little piece on ancient woodland on the Boudicca Way. It was lovely of them to ask you to camp though. I'd imagine one could get carried away when filming, thinking what content others would want you to film and therefore you could miss what YOU would like to experience in the way of views, genus loci and general historical and atmospheric 'vibes' for want of a better word. Whatever you film, it's what I want to see as your videos are a total delight. I must have watched each one twenty times over, so I'm thankful for not having had a TV since 2015. Thank you for all you bring to the KZbin world and for your respect of the natural world. Many blessings, Niki. P.S NEVER any need to apologise for a later reply 🙂. P.P.S - It reminded me of the children's TV programme 'Children of The Stones' set in Avebury. I only discovered it a few years ago and although for children is one of my favourites.

[@JimHolden]

Morning Niki, I loved the children of the stones, back in the 70s. That program along with quaitermass (can’t spell it right) had me spellbound as a young teenager. TV was awesome back then, real escapism unlike the indoctrination that’s presented as entertainment today. I too gave up watching many years back and now when I see bits of programs or maybe the news when visiting friends or family I’m struck with just how transparent there lies are. It’s a mad world out there that I just don’t get that involved with anymore. For me there are two realities, the collective and our own personal. The collective is low vibe fear based so the herd can be managed, corralled and totally controlled, and it cannot be changed. The personal changes every minute for the sovereign free individual. Doing these videos Niki is just my way of finding my tribe or finding the tribe that I belong to. People that have eyes to see. Souls that know from the depth of there heart that this land is ours, it’s our birthright to explore our ancestral land and discover the secrets of our past. I’ll continue maybe not as often as I used to but when I do get out it will be good. Thank you my friend, have a blessed day-weekend-life.

[@theenglishherbalist]

@@JimHolden Good morning Jim from a very wet Norfolk. So unlike Norfolk to have so much rainfall in 24 hours and forecast to continue, sadly not even a village walk for me today. Jim - I cannot begin to express how your words resonate and are absolute and utter truth. So much negativity and fear mongering to provoke society into believing and thinking in a certain way - the way of negativity - the energy that will supress any individual happiness in whatever ways it is to be found. Your words - sovereign free individual - three words that harness so much personal power over current tyranny. Let's stay this way and continue to triumph and find magic in all we see and do in our majestic countryside and let us hope that others will open their eyes to see the whole charade for what it is. On a more enjoyable note I remember the name Quaitermass but not all that familiar with it. I'm going to enjoy a late breakfast this morning and watch this video once again! Blessings for a wonderful day for you Jim with one or two magical moments in nature - whatever the weather. Niki :-)

[@davidmclaughlin2796]

What a wonderful video Jim, thank you. You mentioned you weren't a Bible man. Are you pagan? Are you cool with a Christian following your on your walk? Thanks again. David

[@JimHolden]

Absolutely Cool David. I'm not Pagan, I just love History and a visit to the stones while the Pagan's had there gathering was a special treat for me as you don't get to see that every day. Oh and by the way The Oversoul, Heavenly Father, The one true God is my daily focus. Thank you for watching my friend.

[@steveparkinson8887]

Jim, is it me but 14th and approx 18th minute, you bin on the laughing gas, audio takes a comical turn

[@corvusdoom]

Hi Jim. Have you a track list for the music on this video?

[@JimHolden]

I've just put the full list into the description. Thanks for watching.