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Cherhill White Horse carved into the chalk downs near Calne, Wiltshire, along the Wessex Ridgeway walking trail.

Wessex Ridgeway – Walking the High Ground of Ancient Wessex

Type of trail?
Long-distance route
Is it for me?
Moderate long-distance walk
Rolling terrain with regular climbs and descents, suited to confident long-distance walking.
What will I see?
Rolling Countryside
Lakes & Rivers
Open farmland
Woodland Trails
Rural Villages
Scenic Hills
Historic & Heritage Sites
Rivers & Streams
Medieval towns and cobbled streets
What’s the vibe?
Adventurous and Challenging
Countryside and heritage
Historic and cultural
Remote and Wild

Chalk downs, hill forts, and a route to the Jurassic Coast

The Wessex Ridgeway is an 87-mile long-distance trail running from Marlborough in Wiltshire to Lyme Regis on the Dorset coast. It’s often seen as the continuation of The Ridgeway National Trail, extending the ancient route across southern England to the sea.

Following chalk downs, Iron Age hill forts, and rolling countryside, the Wessex Ridgeway offers walking holidays and outdoor adventures through the heart of rural Wessex. The trail weaves past white horse chalk figures, medieval villages, and castle ruins before finishing on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site at Lyme Regis.

For walkers, it’s a journey through 5,000 years of history — from Neolithic earthworks to Saxon settlements — set against some of the most scenic landscapes in southern England.

Trail Overview

  • Type: Long-distance walking route (part of the Greater Ridgeway)
  • Distance: 87 miles (140 km)
  • Start: Marlborough, Wiltshire
  • End: Lyme Regis, Dorset (Jurassic Coast)
  • Time required: 7–10 days
  • Terrain: Chalk downs, rolling farmland, woodland, river valleys, historic towns
  • Difficulty: Moderate — steady climbs on chalk ridges, with gentler farmland stretches
  • Accessibility: Waymarked; easy to split into shorter stages for day or weekend walks

Explore the Route

Marlborough to Salisbury Plain

Starting in Marlborough, the trail heads across chalk downs past Neolithic earthworks and the Cherhill White Horse, with views over Wiltshire’s rolling landscapes.

Salisbury Plain to Blandford Forum

Crossing Salisbury Plain, walkers encounter wide open farmland, Iron Age hill forts, and quiet villages before reaching Blandford Forum, a Georgian market town.

Blandford Forum to Beaminster

The trail continues through Dorset’s chalk downs and wooded valleys, passing ancient hill forts like Hambledon Hill and Pilsdon Pen, one of the highest points in Dorset.

Beaminster to Lyme Regis

The final stretch descends through the Marshwood Vale to reach Lyme Regis, finishing at the dramatic Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its fossil cliffs and beaches.

Stay and Explore

  • Market towns: Marlborough, Blandford Forum, Beaminster — full of heritage and inns
  • Villages: Historic Dorset villages with B&Bs and farm stays
  • Seaside stays: Lyme Regis offers hotels, cottages, and coastal pubs
  • Food & drink: Wiltshire ales, Dorset cider, and plenty of country pubs
  • Heritage stops: White horse chalk figures, Iron Age hill forts, and medieval churches

Adventure Highlights

  • Continuation of The Ridgeway National Trail to the coast
  • Chalk figures like the Cherhill White Horse
  • Iron Age hill forts at Hambledon Hill and Pilsdon Pen
  • Expansive views from the chalk downs and ridges
  • The Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site at Lyme Regis
  • Historic market towns and rural villages along the route

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the Wessex Ridgeway go?

It runs from Marlborough in Wiltshire to Lyme Regis in Dorset, covering 87 miles across chalk downs, farmland, and ridges.

How long does it take to walk the Wessex Ridgeway?

Most walkers take 7–10 days to complete the full route, though it can be split into shorter weekend stages.

Is the Wessex Ridgeway difficult?

It is rated moderate. There are steady climbs onto chalk ridges and Iron Age hill forts, but much of the walking is gentle across rolling farmland.

What is the best part of the Wessex Ridgeway?

Highlights include the Cherhill White Horse, Hambledon Hill, Pilsdon Pen, and finishing at Lyme Regis on the Jurassic Coast.

Is the Wessex Ridgeway part of The Ridgeway?

Yes. It is often described as the continuation of The Ridgeway National Trail, linking it to the coast and forming part of the Greater Ridgeway network.