Ancient site · England · Partial ruin

Sweet Track

The Sweet Track is a Neolithic timber trackway built across the Somerset Levels around 3807 BC, constructed of oak planks laid end-to-end on crossed wooden pegs and longitudinal rails. It linked an island near Westhay to higher ground at Shapwick and formed part of a wider network of prehistoric causeways across the marshes.

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Photograph via Wikimedia Commons

First raised

3806 BC

Its prime

3807 BC

Today

Partial ruin

As it stood in 3807 BC

What Sweet Track looked like in its prime.

A narrow linear ribbon of dark, tannin-stained bog-wood planks laid end-to-end across open marsh: broad oak boards under 5 cm thick, notched to fit crossed X-shaped pegs of ash, oak and lime driven into the peat, and low longitudinal rails of hazel and alder beneath. No handrails; the surface is slightly uneven where planks meet. The track runs as a slim raised causeway through shallow water, reedbeds and sedge, beneath low wet-woodland skyline.

Step inside

7 places to explore in 3807 BC.

The record describes 7 distinct spots at Sweet Track, the full exterior approach. Create your own photoreal reconstruction and explore every one, more scenes means more photos, more angles and more of the immersive experience.

Western approach at Westhay islandEastern approach toward Shapwick ridgeMid-crossing over open pool (Meare Pool)Clay-banked conserved stretch (500 m section)Close-up of crossed pegs, rails and jointsSection with double rail raising plank levelVotive deposit beside the track (jade axe)

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