Ridgeway National Trail Directory

The oldest National Trail of them all. Though it is not the first National Trail to be officially opened, it travels on paths used by the most ancient of folk. The Ridgeway was a popular walking route in the Iron Age and probably long before that. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.

A view from the Ridgeway Path near Wendover

The Ridgeway runs from Overton Hill, near Avebury, to Ivinghoe Beacon. The start of the path is just down the road from the stone circle at Avebury and almost in sight of the mysterious conical mound of Silbury Hill.

The path wends its way across the chalk downs through at least three hill forts and passes within feet of the burial mound at Wayland’s Smithy and the White Horse at Uffington. The landscape becomes more varied after Goring, where the path crosses the Thames before climbing into the deciduous groves of the Chiltern Hills. The scenery is exhilarating, and if you have the luck to reach Ivinghoe Beacon on a blustery day, you’ll find it crowded with locals flying every sort of kite imaginable.

Google Maps Open Source Maps

Download GPX Route File Download Google Earth File

General Information and Planning

National Trails of Great Britain — Comprehensive site providing details on the route, including accommodation guides, booking service providers, and required maps.

Traileasy — Interactive map displaying accommodations along the route and helping plan each stage from start to finish.

Hoary — A photographic record of the walk.

Guided Walking

Footpath Holidays — A service offering transportation for each stage and the provision of an experienced guide.

Accommodation and Baggage Transfer Services

Celtic Trails — Full self-guided walkers service.

Contours — Full range of self-guided walking services with three alternatives to the walk offered.

Ridgeway Transfers — A dedicated luggage transfer service.

Accommodation Planning

S H Systems — Excellent range of accommodation searchable by location, price, postcode, or rating.

Personal Journals of the Walk

Walking Englishman — My report of a wonderful seven days walking full of enjoyment on the Ridgeway.

Peter Chatfield — Peter provides a good journal of the walk.

Safety Advice and Emergency Services

Ramblers Association — Practical walking safety advice, map-reading guides, and essential gear lists.

Mountain Rescue UK — Essential safety guidance.

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Feedback and Suggestions

I am always pleased to receive feedback on the structure and content of the website. I also welcome suggestions on how I can improve the website, which may include new areas to cover, new walks, or route alterations to existing walks. To get in touch, please contact me via social media. Thank you.

(Note: Walking without proper preparation can be dangerous. Information and downloads on this website are provided free of charge; it is each walker’s responsibility to check the material and use accordingly. Postscript: My walk reports are not route guides and should not be treated as such. They are written with personal reflections of my walks.)

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