Walking the Ridgeway is a popular long-distance walking trail in southern England. The trail is approximately 87 miles long and takes around 5-7 days to complete, depending on your pace and level of fitness.
Starting in the town of Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire, the trail follows a historic ridgeline across the chalky hills of the Chilterns and the North Wessex Downs, passing through a variety of landscapes, including woodlands, farmland, and ancient monuments. The trail is well-marked and maintained, and is suitable for hikers of all levels of experience and fitness.
Along the way, hikers can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside, as well as encounter a wealth of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and a variety of bird species. The trail also passes by several historic landmarks, including prehistoric hill forts, Bronze Age burial mounds, and medieval churches.
Accommodation options along the route are plentiful, with a range of campsites, B&Bs, and hotels available in the nearby towns and villages. There are also plenty of pubs and cafes along the way, providing opportunities for refreshments and rest.
The Ridgeway finishes at the ancient stone circle of Avebury in Wiltshire, which is part of a larger complex of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments. Overall, walking the Ridgeway is a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Southern England, and is suitable for hikers of all levels of experience and fitness.
The Ridgeway Map
The Ridgeway Interactive Map
6 Day Walking – The Ridgeway
| Stage | Starting Point | Distance (miles) | Ascend (feet) |
| Day 1 | Overton Hill to Ogbourne St George | 9.3 | |
| Day 2 | Ogbourne St George to Sparsholt Firs | 16 | |
| Day 3 | Sparsholt Firs to Streatley | 17.4 | |
| Day 4 | Streatley to Watlington | 15.3 | |
| Day 5 | Watlington to Wendover | 17 | |
| Day 6 | Wendover to Irvinghoe Beacon | 11.8 |
8 Day Walking – The Ridgeway
| Day | Location | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Avebury to Ogbourne St George exit | 9.5 miles/15 km |
| Day 2 | Ogbourne St George exit to Bishopstone exit | 8.5 miles/13.7 km |
| Day 3 | Bishopstone exit to Wantage exit | 10 miles/16.1km |
| Day 4 | Wantage exit to Goring Gap | 14.5 miles/23.2 km |
| Day 5 | Goring Gap to Watlington exit | 14.5 miles/23.2 km |
| Day 6 | Watlington exit to Lower Cadsden | 12.5 miles/20 km |
| Day 7 | Lower Cadsden to Aldbury | 13.5 miles/21.6 km |
| Day 8 | Aldbury to Ivinghoe Beacon and return to Aldbury | 8 miles/12.8 km |
OS Maps Required for The Ridgeway National Trail
The Ridgeway National Trail Related Books
