Events

Battle of Ethandun [Edington] 878

Sunday 21st September 2025

Join Wessex Region Chairman Chris Gravestock and Society for Army Historical Research chairman Ashley Truluck for an exploration of the decisive battle between King Alfred and Guthrum the Dane, that finally crushed the Great Heathen Army and laid the foundation of modern England. 

The precise location of the battlefield of Ethandun [Edington] has been the subject of controversy - so this walk will take the form of an exploration of the fascinating historical & geographical clues – leaving you to draw your own conclusions.

This 3-4 mile (mainly downhill) walk starts at Bratton Camp above the Westbury White Horse on the Salisbury Plain escarpment with stunning views over Wiltshire. It then follows a route via beautiful chalk upland paths down to the pretty village of Edington and thence for a pub lunch for those who wish to stay on.

The walk will last about 3 hours and suitable footwear and waterproofs are advised. For those that don't want to make the circa 2 mile walk from Edington back to the car park, the walk leader will ferry them from Edington to the car park in his own vehicle either before or after lunch as they wish.

Meet: 10 am at the battle memorial stone on East side of Bratton Camp car park (GR: 901514 / What3Words: Social.Ranged.Surpasses) - approached via Port Way from Bratton village, 2 miles East of Westbury, Wilts.

The walk is free. For further information, contact Ashley Truluck using the contact details below. 

As this is a Big Battlefield Walks Weekends event advance booking is required. Please visit Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1345555686279?aff=oddtdtcreator to reserve a ticket. If you are unable to attend after you have booked a ticket, please inform the event organiser using the contact details below or cancel your booking on Eventbrite.

For further information.

• Contact name : Ashley Truluck
• Contact email : atruluck@broadchalke.net
• Contact phone : 07771-804227