Ridgeway National Trail Directory
The oldest National Trail of them all. Though it is not the first National Trail to be officially opened, it does travel on paths taken by the most ancient of folk. The Ridgeway was a popular walking route in the Iron Age and probably long before that. Maps, statistics and gpx route file for the walk are included.
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 is 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 MapsThe best web sites for General Information and Planning:
National Trails of Great Britain Comprehensive site providing details on the route. Includes an accommodation guide, booking service providers, maps required.Hoary A photographic record of the walk.
The best web sites for Guided Walking:
Footpath Holidays A service offering transportation for each stage and the provision of an experienced guide.The web sites that organise accommodation and/ or baggage transfer:
Celtic Trails Full self guided walkers service.Contours Full range of self guided walking services. Three alternatives to the walk offered.
Ridgeway Transfers A dedicated luggage transfers service.
The best web sites for you to plan your accommodation:
S H Systems Excellent range of accommodation. Just type in the location to bring up a list of accommodation in the area. You can sort by price, postcode or rating.The best personal journals of the walk:
Walking Englishman My report of a wonderful seven days walking which was full of enjoyment on the Ridgeway.Peter Chatfield Peter provides a good journal of the walk.
The essential sites for safety advice and emergency services:
Ramblers Association Practical walking advice on keeping safe including a guide to map reading, navigation and a detailed list of the essential gear required on a long distance walk.Mountain Rescue UK You may need them so take their advice.
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I am always pleased to received 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 contact me with feedback and/ or suggestions please complete the Walking Englishman Feedback Form. 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)
