Wayland’s Smithy

Wayland’s Smithy, located near the Ridgeway National Trail in Oxfordshire, is a mysterious and atmospheric Neolithic burial chamber dating back over 5,000 years. Surrounded by ancient beech trees, this long barrow consists of a chambered tomb with impressive stone and earthen constructions, believed to have been used for ritual burials. Steeped in folklore, it is named after Wayland, the mythical Saxon blacksmith, and local legend says a ghostly smith will shoe a traveler’s horse in exchange for a coin left overnight. Wayland’s Smithy offers a serene and intriguing glimpse into Britain’s ancient past, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and walkers exploring the Ridgeway.