The Ridgeway

Often described as Britain’s oldest road, the Ridgeway follows ancient tracks and paths previously walked by herdsman and soldiers as long as 5000 years ago. Starting in Avebury, where you can visit the largest stone circle in Europe, you follow the path across the North Wessex Downs where you will see fantastic views over the rolling hills down to the south.

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Iain Douglas
updated on: April 26, 2019
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Hiking route · United Kingdom
Avebury to Ogbourne St. George
recommended route Difficulty easy
Distance 17.7 km
Duration 4:00 h
Ascent 173 m
Descent 155 m

As their is no accommodations close to the official trail path your walk today starts in wonderful Avebury - home to the stunning Neolithic ...

1
from Iain Douglas,   Macs Adventure
Hiking route · United Kingdom
Ogbourne St George to Woolstone
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 20 km
Duration 4:30 h
Ascent 223 m
Descent 178 m

Walk along another section of The Ridgeway where navigation is fairly straight forward.

1
from Iain Douglas,   Macs Adventure
Hiking route · United Kingdom
Woolstone to Letcombe Regis/Wantage
recommended route Difficulty easy
Distance 15.1 km
Duration 3:30 h
Ascent 88 m
Descent 208 m

Keep on the trail to Letcombe Regis/Wantage - This route avoids you walking along the very busy A338 road at the end of walk.

from Iain Douglas,   Macs Adventure
Hiking route · United Kingdom
Wantage/Letcombe Regis to Goring
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 29.4 km
Duration 6:30 h
Ascent 218 m
Descent 269 m

Leaving Wantage/Letcombe Regis head back to the trail and walk onward into the wonderful town of Goring.

1
from Iain Douglas,   Macs Adventure
Hiking route · United Kingdom
Wantage to Goring (Alternative Route).
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 26.1 km
Duration 6:00 h
Ascent 208 m
Descent 258 m

Leaving Wantage take an alternative route avoiding the A338. Once back on the path it's fairly easy going to the wonderful town of Goring.

from Iain Douglas,   Macs Adventure
Hiking route · United Kingdom
Goring to Watlington
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 24.1 km
Duration 5:30 h
Ascent 324 m
Descent 211 m

Walk alongside the parts of the River Thames today in this section of the Ridgeway path before heading into Watlington.

from Iain Douglas,   Macs Adventure
Hiking route · United Kingdom
Watlington to Princes Risborough
recommended route Difficulty easy
Distance 18.5 km
Duration 4:00 h
Ascent 152 m
Descent 147 m

Enjoy the pleasant sceneary in this easy walking section with a few scattered steep climbs.

from Iain Douglas,   Macs Adventure
Hiking route · United Kingdom
Princes Riscorough to Tring (Aldbury)
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 22.9 km
Duration 5:00 h
Ascent 404 m
Descent 396 m

A slightly tougher section with some steep ascents and descents.

from Iain Douglas,   Macs Adventure
recommended route Difficulty easy
Distance 5.3 km
Duration 3:00 h
Ascent 118 m
Descent 19 m

The final section of the Ridgway path climbs up to the Ivinghoe Beacon.

from Iain Douglas,   Macs Adventure