I have considered the very many prior contributions to MP about this magnificent (if somewhat over-manicured) Ancient Site - many contributors seem disheartened by 'the longer walk' - yes it is easy to be seduced by the Uffington White Horse, the NT car park with its Information point and ubiquitous Ice Cream van - but as reported by davidmorgan there is another way -
Do please consider OS Pathfinder 1154 SU28/38 Lambourn Downs - should you be travelling along the B4507 between Wanborough and Wantage try to ignore the 'Brown Signs' which tempt you further uphill towards the NT car park - instead try the better route up via Knighton Hill (South from the Knighton Cross Roads aka Compton Beauchamp Cross Roads) - as you crest the scarp the road becomes a farm track just before it crosses the Ridgeway (and provided not too many people have read this note) you can park within 400m of Waylands Smithy - this site is quite spectacular and certainly worth the effort - not too far away several notable hillforts/camps and groups of Round Barrows can be found if you would like to extend your visit
Something is not right. This message is just to keep things from messing up down the road