Ridgeway
Description
- Name Ridgeway
- Length of trail 137 km, 85 miles
- Length in days 7 days
- Traildino grading EW, Easy walk, nature trail
National Trail
The Ridgeway is a trail on a high stretch of chalk hills East of London. From early times onwards men has used this route for travel. It was a reliable trading route, avoiding wet marshes in the lower areas. Traces of human presence have been found as far as 5.000 years back. Therefore, also this road has been called "Britains oldest road", just as many others claim this title (ref. Icknield Way Path).
For the modern traveller, you and me, taking the trouble to leave our safe hamlet is justified for two reasons. First, it is a beautiful walk among friendly and soft sloping fields and forest. Like all chalk downs in Britain, the grasslands are particularly rich in flowers, animal and insect life. Second, along the trail we will encounter many reminders of the past, those travellers from thousand years ago that took the same way, but for different reasons. Ours is a stroll out of the city, and great it is we stay in touch with our ancestors.
Opinions

- Aaron Barnes August 2009
- Rate 7
- Positive One of the oldest continuously used routes in the world and has the history to boot. A trail of two very different halves, which really add to the experience. Start at the awe inspiring Avebury Ring and finish at the spectacular Ivinghoe Beacon. Delightful walk through the Chilterns - you will become very familiar with the Red Kite!
- Negative A lot of walking on by-ways early on with chalk underfoot. Many places quite badly rutted from off-roading, although traffic is now prohibited from most of these sections. Can be surprisingly hard work under foot when wet.
Map
Links
Facts
- Friends of the Ridgeway
The Friends of The Ridgeway is an Association of people committed to preserving The Ridgeway as an ancient greenway for quiet enjoyment by the public. Very good source, also for your background knowledge.
- Home - The Ridgeway - National Trails
National Trails Home Page
- Hikeview Ridgeway
Guide to planning a walk along the Ridgeway, including a standard breakdown with distance/walking time estimates. Includes a detailed map with the trail delineated in 2 mile segments
- The Ridgeway "Spring" trek in England - Team Sherpa Blog
Short impression.
- The Ridgeway - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- The Ridgeway National Trail
Britain Express info page
- BBC - Wiltshire - Moonraking
BBC information web page
- The Ridgeway
Explanation of the ancient Ridgeway versus the modern one.
Reports
- Ridgeway National Trail
This is Annierak's fine picture series.
- The Ridgeway
Trip report with a set of good pictures.
- The Ridgeway National Trail
David Cotton gives you all the details in his account, but above all his writing unfolds a merry story.
Guides and maps
Lodging
Organisations
Tour operators
GPS
Other
Books
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
- Newbury, Wantage, Hungerford & Didcot OS Landranger Map 174 (paper)
- Newbury - Wantage area, including a section of the Ridgeway along the Lambourn Downs, on a paper version of map No. 174 from the Ordnance Survey’s Landranger series at 1:50,000, with contoured and GPS compatible topographic mapping plus tourist information.MOBILE DOWNLOADS: As well as the physical edition of the map, each Landranger title now... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
- Swindon, Devizes, Marlborough & Trowbridge OS Landranger Map 173 (paper)
- Swindon - Devizes area, including the westernmost section of the Ridgeway and part of the Thames Path, on a paper version of map No. 173 from the Ordnance Survey’s Landranger series at 1:50,000, with contoured and GPS compatible topographic mapping plus tourist information.MOBILE DOWNLOADS: As well as the physical edition of the map, each... Read more

United Kingdom
2008
- Walking in the Thames Valley
- Walking in the Thames Valley describes 25 adventurous day walks in the area covering the North Hampshire Downs, Berkshire and the Southern Chilterns with easy access to London and Reading. The circular walks vary from 10 to 18 miles, including one two-day walk, as well as shorter route options for those who want a less strenuous day out. Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
2008
- Thames Valley Walking (25 circular walks)
- Steve Davison Cicerone guide to Walking in the Thames Valley is a comprehensive exploration of walking opportunities in the countryside of the Upper Thames. The countryside that the Thames flows through includes the Southern Chilterns, Berkshire, Lambourn and North Hampshire Downs and Southern Oxfordshire, all within easy reach of Reading,... Read more

Netherlands
2008
- Wandelgids Walking in the Thames Valley | Cicerone
- Walking in the Thames Valley describes 25 adventurous day walks in the area covering the North Hampshire Downs, Berkshire and the Southern Chilterns with easy access to London and Reading. The circular walks vary from 10 to 18 miles, including one two-day walk, as well as shorter route options for those who want a less strenuous day out. Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
- Aylesbury, Leighton Buzzard, Thame & Berkhamsted OS Landranger Map 165 (paper)
- Aylesbury, Leighton Buzzard and Thame area, including Chiltern Hills with part of the Ridgeway, on a paper version of map No. 165 from the Ordnance Survey’s Landranger series at 1:50,000, with contoured and GPS compatible topographic mapping plus tourist information.MOBILE DOWNLOADS: As well as the physical edition of the map, each Landranger... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom

United Kingdom
- Aylesbury, Leighton Buzzard, Thame & Berkhamsted OS Landranger Active Map 165 (waterproof)
- Aylesbury, Leighton Buzzard and Thame area, including Chiltern Hills with part of the Ridgeway, on a waterproof and tear-resistant OS Active version of map No. 165 from the Ordnance Survey’s Landranger series at 1:50,000, with contoured and GPS compatible topographic mapping plus tourist information.MOBILE DOWNLOADS: As well as the physical... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom

United Kingdom
- The Ridgeway a Dog Walker`s Guide
- Here is a collection of 20 tried and tested circular walks ranging in length between 2.5 and 8.5 miles. They include crucial dog-walking factors such as livestock, stiles and roads, with warnings in advance when a lead is necessary and when it`s safe for your dog to run free. The routes pass by a number of quintessential English villages, many... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom

United Kingdom
- Swindon, Devizes, Marlborough & Trowbridge OS Landranger Active Map 173 (waterproof)
- Swindon - Devizes area, including the westernmost section of the Ridgeway and part of the Thames Path, on a waterproof and tear-resistant OS Active version of map No. 173 from the Ordnance Survey’s Landranger series at 1:50,000, with contoured and GPS compatible topographic mapping plus tourist information.MOBILE DOWNLOADS: As well as the... Read more

United Kingdom
- The Icknield Way Path: A Walkers` Guide
- The Icknield Way Path – 110 miles along the ‘oldest road in Britain’ linking the Ridgeway Path to the Peddars Way, following footpaths close to the ancient route and including a link into Thetford. Written walk directions are accompanied by sketch map extracts from Landranger OS maps customised with additional information, useful for walkers.... Read more

United Kingdom
- Newbury, Wantage, Hungerford & Didcot OS Landranger Active Map 174 (waterproof)
- Newbury - Wantage area, including a section of the Ridgeway along the Lambourn Downs, on a waterproof and tear-resistant OS Active version of map No. 174 from the Ordnance Survey’s Landranger series at 1:50,000, with contoured and GPS compatible topographic mapping plus tourist information.MOBILE DOWNLOADS: As well as the physical edition of... Read more

United Kingdom
- Wiltshire a Dog Walker`s Guide
- The 20 circular routes have been carefully designed with maximum off-lead time and minimum exposure to roads. Each walk has information on the distance and terrain, livestock likely to be encountered, number and type of stiles en route and in an emergency, the nearest veterinary surgery. The walks include Barbury Castle, Ogbourne St George,... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Netherlands
- Bol.com, Belgium

Netherlands
- Wiltshire a Dog Walker's Guide
- The 20 circular routes have been carefully designed with maximum off-lead time and minimum exposure to roads. Each walk has information on the distance and terrain, livestock likely to be encountered, number and type of stiles en route and in an emergency, the nearest veterinary surgery. The walks include Barbury Castle, Ogbourne St George,... Read more

Belgium
- Wiltshire a Dog Walker's Guide
- The 20 circular routes have been carefully designed with maximum off-lead time and minimum exposure to roads. Each walk has information on the distance and terrain, livestock likely to be encountered, number and type of stiles en route and in an emergency, the nearest veterinary surgery. The walks include Barbury Castle, Ogbourne St George,... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Netherlands
- Bol.com, Belgium
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

Netherlands
2016
- The Ridgeway
- The Ridgeway follows one of the oldest 'green roads' in Europe. It runs for 87 miles (140 km) from Overton Hill in the west, across the Marlborough Downs and the Vale of the White Horse, to Ivinghoe Beacon on the northern edge of the Chilterns. This is the complete, official guide for the long-distance walker or the weekend stroller. All you... Read more

Belgium
2016
- The Ridgeway
- The Ridgeway follows one of the oldest 'green roads' in Europe. It runs for 87 miles (140 km) from Overton Hill in the west, across the Marlborough Downs and the Vale of the White Horse, to Ivinghoe Beacon on the northern edge of the Chilterns. This is the complete, official guide for the long-distance walker or the weekend stroller. All you... Read more

Netherlands
- More Favourite Walks in the South Cotswolds
- Route descriptions of the walk known as Wessex Ridgeway in Wiltshire. Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium

Belgium
- More Favourite Walks in the South Cotswolds
- Route descriptions of the walk known as Wessex Ridgeway in Wiltshire. Read more

United Kingdom
2016
- The Ridgeway National Trail
- Avebury to Ivinghoe Beacon, described in both directions Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- Bol.com, Netherlands
- Bol.com, Belgium
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
2016
- The Ridgeway National Trail: Avebury to Ivinghoe Beacon, Described in Both Directions
- This guidebook - which includes both a guide to the route and a separate OS map booklet - describes the Ridgeway National Trail, an 87 mile (139km) route through southern England from Avebury in Wiltshire to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire. Typically walked in 6 or 8 days, this is a low-level waymarked route suitable for all abilities and... Read more

Netherlands
2016
- The Ridgeway National Trail
- This guidebook - which includes both a guide to the route and a separate OS map booklet - describes the Ridgeway National Trail, an 87 mile (139km) route through southern England from Avebury in Wiltshire to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire. Typically walked in 6 or 8 days, this is a low-level waymarked route suitable for all abilities and... Read more

Belgium
2016
- The Ridgeway National Trail
- This guidebook - which includes both a guide to the route and a separate OS map booklet - describes the Ridgeway National Trail, an 87 mile (139km) route through southern England from Avebury in Wiltshire to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire. Typically walked in 6 or 8 days, this is a low-level waymarked route suitable for all abilities and... Read more

Netherlands
2016
- Wandelgids The Ridgeway | Cicerone
- Guidebook to the Ridgeway National Trail, an 87-mile (139km) route through the south of England from Avebury in Wiltshire to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire. Accompanied by a pull-out 1:25K mapping booklet, this guidebook details the trail in both directions and features information on historic sites and facilities along the way. Read more

Netherlands
- South East Mountain Biking
- South East Mountain Biking Ridgeway and Chilterns - a compact guide to some of the best mountain biking in Southern England, west of London.The Chilterns and the area either side of the Ridgeway west of London are criss-crossed with byways and bridleways, allowing you to escape onto fine woodland tracks and out into big open chalk country,... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium

Belgium
- South East Mountain Biking
- South East Mountain Biking Ridgeway and Chilterns - a compact guide to some of the best mountain biking in Southern England, west of London.The Chilterns and the area either side of the Ridgeway west of London are criss-crossed with byways and bridleways, allowing you to escape onto fine woodland tracks and out into big open chalk country,... Read more

United Kingdom
2015
- Walking in the North Wessex Downs
- 30 walking routes exploring the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The routes are between 7 to 20km through this peaceful rolling chalk landscape covering parts of four counties: Berkshire, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire, with descriptions to reach the highest points in each one. Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- Bol.com, Netherlands
- Bol.com, Belgium
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
2015
- North Wessex Downs Walking
- This guidebook to 30 walks in the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) explore walking routes between 7 and 20km in length, through Berkshire, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire, and are suitable for walkers of all abilities. Alongside detailed route descriptions and OS maps, are plenty of details on points of... Read more

Netherlands
2015
- Walking in the North Wessex Downs
- Guidebook to 30 circular day walks in the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The routes, which range from 4 to 13 miles long take in parts of four counties - Berkshire, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire. The walks allow you to explore parts of the Ridgeway National Trail, the Kennet and Avon Canal and stunning... Read more

Belgium
2015
- Walking in the North Wessex Downs
- Guidebook to 30 circular day walks in the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The routes, which range from 4 to 13 miles long take in parts of four counties - Berkshire, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire. The walks allow you to explore parts of the Ridgeway National Trail, the Kennet and Avon Canal and stunning... Read more

Netherlands
2015
- Wandelgids Walking on the North Wessex Downs | Cicerone
- 30 walking routes exploring the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The routes are between 7 to 20km through this peaceful rolling chalk landscape covering parts of four counties: Berkshire, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire, with descriptions to reach the highest points in each one. Read more
Maps

United Kingdom
- Ridgeway XT40
- The Ridgway, a 139km / 87 mile national trail from Overton Hill in Wiltshire to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire, presented at 1:40,000 on a light, waterproof and tear-resistant map from Harvey Map Services. The route is shown on six overlapping panels.Maps in the Harvey Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
- Ridgeway Harvey National Trail XT40
- The Ridgway, a 139km / 87 mile national trail from Overton Hill in Wiltshire to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire, presented at 1:40,000 on a light, waterproof and tear-resistant map from Harvey Map Services. The route is shown on six overlapping panels.Maps in the Harvey’s series covering Great Britain’s national trails and other... Read more

Netherlands
- Wandelkaart - Fietskaart Ridgeway | Harvey Maps
- The Ridgway, a 139km / 87 mile national trail from Overton Hill in Wiltshire to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire, presented at 1:40,000 on a light, waterproof and tear-resistant map from Harvey Map Services. The route is shown on six overlapping panels.Maps in the Harvey Read more

United Kingdom
- Cycle Tours Around Oxford
- Oxford has long enjoyed a reputation as one of the most cycle-friendly cities in the country. This spiral-bound guide describes 20 wonderful bike rides in the countryside in a 30-mile radius around the city, exploring the delights of the Cotswolds, the Lambourn Downs and the Chilterns. The book contains 15 rides on networks of quiet lanes... Read more

United Kingdom
- Niagara Falls - Fort Erie - Niagara-on-the-Lake - Grand Island
- Double-sided, indexed street plan at 1:28,000 of Niagara Falls area on both sides of the Niagara River, in Canada and USA. Coverage extends north from Niagara Falls to Lake Ontario to include Niagara-on-the-Lake on the Canadian side plus Youngstown, Porter and Lewiston in USA. On the reverse coverage continues southwards to Lake Eire to cover... Read more

Netherlands
2017
- Thames Path Adventure Atlas
- The A-Z Adventure series features the accuracy and quality of Ordnance Survey`s Explorer mapping in a convenient book, therefore eliminating the need to fold and re-fold a large sheet map to the desired area. OS Explorer is Ordnance Survey`s most detailed mapping at a scale of 1:25 000 showing public rights of way, open access land, national... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium

Belgium
2017
- Thames Path Adventure Atlas
- The A-Z Adventure series features the accuracy and quality of Ordnance Survey`s Explorer mapping in a convenient book, therefore eliminating the need to fold and re-fold a large sheet map to the desired area. OS Explorer is Ordnance Survey`s most detailed mapping at a scale of 1:25 000 showing public rights of way, open access land, national... Read more