Ridgeway

Chalk hills, ancient paths, and a journey across southern England.

The Ridgeway is a long-distance National Trail following one of Britain's oldest routes from Overton Hill near Avebury in Wiltshire to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire. Traversing the chalk uplands of southern England, the trail links the North Wessex Downs National Landscape and the Chilterns National Landscape through a continuous journey along high ground that has been used for thousands of years.

As a self-guided journey, the route connects places such as Avebury, Wantage, Goring, Princes Risborough, and Ivinghoe while passing prehistoric monuments, ancient trackways, chalk downland, and historic landscapes. Landmarks including Wayland's Smithy and the Uffington White Horse reinforce the route's deep connection to England's history and the long relationship between people and landscape.

With broad tracks, clear navigation, and a range of places to stay along the route, The Ridgeway offers one of England's most accessible long-distance walking journeys. The trail rewards steady progress and open views, creating a route defined by continuity, heritage, and the enduring line of the chalk ridge.

Overview

Distance 87 miles / 139 km

Duration 6–8 days

Difficulty Moderate

Start Overton Hill, near Avebury, Wiltshire

Finish Ivinghoe Beacon, Buckinghamshire

Terrain Chalk ridge paths, downland tracks, farmland, woodland sections, and quiet lanes