The Ridgeway is one of the oldest and most historic National Trails in the UK, often referred to as “Britain’s oldest road.” This ancient route has been used for over 5,000 years and follows a chalk ridge across the southern part of England. The Ridgeway offers walkers an opportunity to experience stunning views, historical landmarks, and a rich variety of landscapes, from rolling downlands to wooded areas.
Key Facts:
- Length: 87 miles (139 km)
- Start and End Points: The trail begins at Overton Hill, near Avebury in Wiltshire, and ends at Ivinghoe Beacon in the Chiltern Hills, Buckinghamshire.
- Designated: The Ridgeway was designated as a National Trail in 1972.
Route Overview:
The Ridgeway follows an ancient trackway that has been used since prehistoric times, originally providing a dry route across the chalk downs, avoiding the wet lowlands. Today, it is a popular trail for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders, passing through diverse landscapes, from open chalk downlands in the west to the wooded hills of the Chilterns in the east.
Western Section: Avebury to Goring
- Length: 43 miles (69 km)
- Terrain: This section runs mostly along high chalk downlands and offers open, sweeping views across the landscape.
- Prehistoric Monuments: The western section of the Ridgeway is renowned for its ancient sites and historical significance.
- Avebury Stone Circle: A UNESCO World Heritage site near the start of the trail, Avebury is the largest stone circle in Europe and a major Neolithic site.
- Barbury Castle: An Iron Age hillfort with panoramic views over the Wiltshire Downs.
- Uffington White Horse: A 3,000-year-old chalk figure carved into the hillside, one of the most iconic landmarks on the trail.
- Wayland’s Smithy: A Neolithic long barrow and burial chamber, adding to the trail’s rich archaeological significance.
- Segsbury Camp: Another Iron Age hillfort with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Eastern Section: Goring to Ivinghoe Beacon
- Length: 44 miles (70 km)
- Terrain: The eastern section of the trail transitions into the Chiltern Hills, a more wooded and hilly landscape with ancient beech woods, rolling farmland, and quaint villages.
- Goring Gap: The trail crosses the River Thames at Goring, offering a scenic spot along the riverbank.
- Grim’s Ditch: A pre-Roman boundary earthwork that runs parallel to parts of the trail in the Chilterns.
- Wendover Woods: Dense woodlands that offer a peaceful walking experience, especially in autumn when the leaves turn golden.
- Ivinghoe Beacon: The trail’s end, offering breathtaking views over the surrounding landscape, including the Vale of Aylesbury and the Chilterns.
Highlights:
- Historical Significance: The Ridgeway passes by numerous prehistoric landmarks, Iron Age forts, and ancient burial mounds, making it a journey through millennia of human history.
- Varied Landscapes: The trail’s two distinct sections provide varied scenery, from the open and exposed chalk hills of the west to the wooded and sheltered Chiltern Hills in the east.
- Panoramic Views: The trail often follows high ridges, providing walkers with far-reaching views across the English countryside.
- Wildlife: The Ridgeway is home to a variety of wildlife, including red kites, which are commonly seen in the Chilterns, as well as hares, deer, and wildflowers in the chalk downlands.
Terrain and Difficulty:
- Moderate: The Ridgeway is relatively easy to walk due to its mostly gentle gradients, though the open nature of the western section can make it challenging in bad weather. The Chilterns section is more wooded and undulating, but still manageable for most walkers.
- Well-Marked: As a National Trail, the Ridgeway is well signposted, with clear markers and paths throughout.
Best Times to Visit:
- Spring and Autumn: These are the best times for walking the Ridgeway, with milder weather, beautiful wildflowers in spring, and golden foliage in autumn. Summer can be warm and sunny, but some sections are exposed, so walkers should be prepared for sun and wind.
Walking Duration:
- It typically takes around 6 to 7 days to walk the full trail, but many walkers break it into sections and explore smaller parts of the route on day walks.
Accessibility:
- Public Transport: Several sections of the Ridgeway are accessible by public transport, including train stations at Swindon, Goring & Streatley, and Tring, allowing for easier planning of day walks or sections.
- Accommodation: There are plenty of places to stay along the trail, including B&Bs, inns, campsites, and hotels, particularly in the Chilterns section.
Popular Short Walks on the Ridgeway:
- Avebury to Barbury Castle: A 6-mile (10 km) walk that takes in some of the most famous prehistoric monuments.
- Uffington White Horse to Wayland’s Smithy: A 4-mile (6.5 km) circular walk that includes the famous White Horse and the ancient long barrow.
- Ivinghoe Beacon Circular Walk: A 4-mile (6.5 km) circular walk around Ivinghoe Beacon, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Summary:
The Ridgeway is a historic and scenic National Trail that offers walkers a journey through England’s ancient past. With its open chalk downs, prehistoric landmarks, and wooded Chiltern hills, it provides a varied and relatively gentle walking experience. The trail is rich in history and natural beauty, making it a perfect choice for both long-distance hikers and those seeking shorter walks through one of the country’s most historically significant landscapes.