East Ilsley and the Ridgeway Path

Discover the Fascinating History of a Downland Village

The ancient village of East Ilsley is a pleasant base from which to explore the Berkshire Downs and the Ridgeway. Exhilarating views of the surrounding countryside are in easy reach, and the bracing air quickly blows away the cobwebs. Some believe that the hill south of East Ilsley was the site of the Battle of Ashdown in 871 AD, where the invading Danes were defeated by King Aethelred and his brother, who later became King Alfred.

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Start Point

East Ilsley

Grid Ref: SU 49292 81173

Total Distance

3.2 miles (5.1 km)

Total Climbing

57 metres

Estimated Time

2 hours

Difficulty Grade

Easy

Trail Navigation Files:

💾 Download GPX Route Google Earth (KMZ) 📖 About East Ilsley

Ordnance Survey Explorer Map (1:25,000)

Essential paper map for exploring Vale of White Horse, Abingdon, Wantage, Wallingford and Faringdon:

170 Vale of White Horse & Wantage →

The Walk Report

Starting at The Swan Inn (dating from the 17th century, where Charles I's army was quartered), the route passes Summerdown Stables (where famous racehorses like Eclipse were stabled) and meets the Ridgeway, renowned as the oldest road in Britain.

Returning via the Berkshire Downs, the walk passes Pen Meadow, the historic site of major East Ilsley sheep fairs that were once second in importance only to Smithfield in London.

The path from Dennisford Road to East Ilsley

Acknowledgment: Text derived from the Out and Out Series; Discovering the Countryside on Foot. Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia.

East Ilsley and the Ridgeway Path

Ordnance Survey Explorer Map (1:25,000)

The Walk Report

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