Walking the ridgeway in 4 days

The Ridgeway National Trail is a walking route in the southern part of England. This hiking trail is 87 miles long and goes from the World Heritage site in Avebury to the Ivinghoe Beacon.

THE RIDGEWAY - FAQ's

Q. HOW LONG IS THE RIDGEWAY?

A. About 87 miles.

Q. HOW MANY DAYS DOES IT TAKE TO WALK THE RIDGEWAY?

A. About 6-8 Days

Q. CAN I TAKE MY DOG ON THE RIDGEWAY?

A. We do have some dog friendly itineraries on this walk. Please enquire.

The Ridgeway National Trail is a walking route in the southern part of England. This hiking trail is 87 miles long and goes from the World Heritage site in Avebury to the Ivinghoe Beacon. The Ridgeway is Britain's oldest 'road', following the same route used since prehistoric times.

This walking holiday starting west of the River Thames, takes you along a broad track through the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The walk is often quite a distance from any villages, so you really feel the experience of wide, open views. There are rolling chalk downland and archaeological interests to see. Stone Age long barrows, Bronze Age round barrows and the figures of white horses cut into the chalk.

The Ridgeway travels through more woodland areas once east of the Thames. Here you will walk across hills and through the valleys of the Chilterns ( AONB). There are several nature reserves found here, rich in wildlife.

In the Chilterns, The Ridgeway does pass through some villages where you can easily find some excellent facilities.

So - How long does this walking holiday last ? You could call this a perfect weeks break, as the trail can be walked in 6 days. However, if you have some extra days then that always lends itself to a more relaxed pace. One where you can take your time and relax into your holiday.

This is your walking holiday, so choose an itinerary which will allow you to explore and relax at your own pace.

The best time to take your walking holiday on the Ridgeway would be March to November. In these months you will see more wildlife and hopefully better walking conditions. British weather permitting !

May to July is the best walking time for wildflowers and birdsong - with added benefits of butterflies and sunshine.

The Ridgeway is one of 15 National Trails waymarked by the famous 'white acorn'. With your National Trail guide in hand your walking holiday will be special. You are about to pass through some of the best landscapes in Britain.

Keyword Search for The Ridgeway

Self Guided Walking Holidays on the Ridgeway. Countryside, Natural Landscapes, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, AONB, National Trails, Discover England, National Parks, #NationalTrails, #DiscoverEngland, Long distance walking, Ridgeway, Avebury, Swindon, Marlborough, Wantage, Streatley, Goring, Wallingford, Watlington, Chinnor, Princes Risborough, Wendover, Tring, Ivinghoe Beacon, AONB, Chalky, North Wessex Downs, Landscape, Chilterns, Stone Circle, Wayland's Smithy Neolithic, Burial Mound, Uffington White Horse, Great Views, Short Excursions, Picturesque towns, Villages, National Trails, England, English, Southern England

Walk Details:

Duration: 6-10 nights / 5-9 days walking

Distance: 87 miles / 139 km

Grade: Easy/moderate to challenging

The Ridgeway National Trail follows Britain’s oldest “road” - originally walked by traders, herdsmen and soldiers in prehistoric times – across the heart of England, from Overton Hill in the Wessex Downs to Ivinghoe Beacon in the Chiltern Hills.

The Trail travels through two distinct landscapes, both rich in history and natural beauty. If you are curious about archeological treasures and enjoy quiet footpaths surrounded by natural beauty, this tour will most certainly not disappoint.

BOOK NOW

Prices from:

£560 pp for 6 nights B&B

Price based on 2 people sharing an en-suite room.

Start any day. *

*Please see Key Points for details.

Route Description

The Ridgeway will take you on a trip back in time as it travels through the distinct landscapes of the North Wessex Downs west of the River Thames and the Chiltern Hills east of the River Thames. Walking this ancient route, you will explore archeological treasures, take in spectacular panoramas of the rolling countryside, and enjoy exhilarating walks through small picturesque villages and market towns.

If you would like to walk longer or shorter stages than detailed below, we will be happy to tailor the itinerary to suit your requirements.

  • Walking the ridgeway in 4 days

Itinerary Options

We have itinerary options from 6 to 10 nights, but we can tailor your tour to your personal preferences. Our favourite is the 9-night option, which is easy/moderate grade.

The below mileages include the distances walked from the trail to your accommodation, and back to the trail the following morning.

Key Points

Friday and Saturday nights may incur a supplement.

What’s included

  • Up to date and easy to follow route notes and maps in a handy sized booklet. One set per 2 people.
  • Digital map download and walking app to track your position as you walk.
  • A helpful and comprehensive information pack, including notes on where to eat and what to visit.  
  • Hand-picked, high quality, accommodation from B&B’s to luxury hotels with en-suite facilities. 
  • Breakfast each morning.
  • Upgraded accommodation available on request.
  • Door to door luggage services. 
  • Local knowledgeable support and assistance when you need it, not just Monday - Friday, 9-5. 

When to go

Any time of year but we suggest May to October. Departure on any day subject to accommodation availability.

Remember

Many of our walks can be shortened by using either public transport or taxis. We can also adapt these routes to suit the time you have available and your walking capabilities.

More about Cotswold Walks

We would love to hear from you if you have any questions or queries regarding our walks or if you would simply like to gather more information.

Please visit the contact page to get in touch.

CONTACT US

How difficult is the Ridgeway?

For the most part, the Ridgeway stays true to its name and is a relatively easy walk spent mostly walking along ridges. The paths often provide splendid views over the relatively flat local landscape. There are some gentle climbs, and often you'll need to head down hill to get to accommodation.

How long is the Ridgeway Trail?

The Ridgeway National Trail runs for 87 miles between Overton Hill in the Avebury World Heritage Site in Wiltshire and Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire, passing through ancient landscapes, including open downland, secluded valleys, woodland and a stretch by The Thames.

Where does the Ridgeway walk start?

Walking the Ridgeway. The 87 mile (139 km) Ridgeway National Trail begins at Overton Hill, near Avebury, and heads east on a long and particularly beautiful stretch of downland path along the North Wessex Downs - with wide, exhilarating views over the rolling countryside of Wiltshire.

Can you wild camp on the Ridgeway?

There aren't many campsites on the Ridgeway so we would have to wild camp. I watched so many videos of people wild camping The Ridgeway to be able to work out the locations. We hatched a plan for how to get there which involved driving two cars to the finish, leaving one there.