The Ridgeway

86 miles (139 km)

Step back in time on this wonderful 85 mile route which follows an ancient chalk ridge route used by prehistoric man The trail starts at Overton Hill in Wiltshire on the edge of the Marlborough Downs and heads east through the Chiltern Hills to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire.
Highlights on this fascinating route include a series of iron age forts, the famous Uffington White Horse, the beautiful Chiltern Hills and a lovely stretch along the River Thames at Goring-on-Thames.

The Ridgeway Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

The Ridgeway Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

The Ridgeway OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

The Ridgeway Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

The Ridgeway Pubs/Cafes

Near Coombe Hill in Wendover you'll pass The Russell Arms at Butler's Cross. The historic pub was originally an 18th century coach house. Its name dates back to the family that once owned Chequers (approximately 1 mile away) and the pub itself was where many of the staff that worked at Chequers lived. The inn has an extensive menu and a nice outdoor seating area for warmer days. You can find it about 100 metres north of Coombe Hill at 2 Chalkshire Road, Butlers Cross with a postcode of HP17 0TS for your sat navs. The pub is very dog friendly too and will provide water and biscuits.

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Streatley, Goring, Aston Rowant Nature Reserve, Uffington White Horse, Ivinghoe Beacon, Coombe Hill

Photos

West Overton from Overton Hill

Ivinghoe Beacon seen from The Ridgeway

Cowslips at Waylands Smithy

Approaching Wayland's Smithy

Video

Route Highlights

Overton Hill

Start of the route at Overton Hill in Wiltshire. It is the site of a wooden circle known as The Sanctuary indicating human activity for thousands of years

Barbury Castle

This Iron Age hill fort is one of several forts found along the Ridgeway route. The site was first occupied some 2500 years ago, and was then in use during the Roman occupation of the area.

Wayland's Smithy

Wayland's Smithy is a Neolithic long barrow and chamber tomb site dating back to 3700 BC.

Liddington Castle

Late Bronze Age and early Iron Age hill fort. Liddington Castle was one of the earliest hill forts in Britain, with first occupation dating to the seventh century BC

Bishopstone

Picturesque village just off the trail with two pubs and a large number of thatched cottages, centred around a mill-pond.

Uffington White Horse

This National Trust owned site is home to a highly stylised prehistoric hill figure, 374�feet (110�m) long, formed from deep trenches filled with crushed white chalk. It is approximately 3000 years old

Streatley

The trail passes right through this attractive village situated on the River Thames

Segsbury Camp

Iron Age hill fort situated on the Berkshire Downs, near the Ridgeway above Wantage. The periodic occupation of the hill fort between the 6th and 2nd centuries BC suggests that it was a communal centre for various activities, including sheep management and exchange

Aston Rowant Nature Reserve

This lovely Nature Reserve is located in the Chilterns Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty. Aston Rowant is especially noted in Spring and Summer for the wildflowers and orchids associated with close-cropped chalk grassland.

Princes Risborough

This small town is just off the route and makes and ideal stopping place for refreshments or an overnight stay.

Chequers

The country residence of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

Wallingfordk

Situated just off the route the market town of Wallingford sits on the River Thames. It boasts a 12th century medieval road bridge spanning the Thames to Crowmarsh Gifford. Handy for stopovers with plenty of accommodation options.

Coombe Hill

The highest point in the Chilterns with a distinctive monument to the Second Boer War. There are fabulous views across the Vale of Aylesbury and the Cotswolds.