The Ridgeway in North Wessex Downs
The Ridgeway in North Wessex Downs
Highlight • Trail
The Ridgeway in North Wessex Downs
Hiking
4.8
(26)
Mountain biking
5.0
(2)
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
October 17, 2023
Hiking
The Ridgeway is often deemed Britain's oldest road, having been used by travellers, herdsmen and soldiers to travel cross-country since prehistoric times.
In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!
Sign up for free
Nearby routes
Best routes near The Ridgeway in North Wessex Downs
4.5
(11)
90
hikers
15.7km
04:13
190m
190m
Embark on a moderate hike through the North Wessex Downs National Landscape, covering 9.8 miles (15.7 km) with an elevation gain of 612 feet (187 metres). This route typically takes around 4 hours and 13 minutes to complete, offering expansive views across the Marlborough Downs. You will traverse vast chalk downlands and sections of the ancient Ridgeway, experiencing wide-open skies. A highlight is the Barbury Castle Iron Age Hill Fort, where you can enjoy panoramic vistas from one of the highest points in the area.
To begin your adventure, head to Barbury Castle Country Park, which provides convenient amenities like parking, picnic benches, and toilets. Be prepared for varied terrain; some sections of the trail can be unpaved, deeply rutted, and muddy, especially after rain, so wear appropriate footwear. The route includes both significant descents and ascents, with some parts being quite steep, so a good level of fitness is recommended.
This trail offers a unique glimpse into ancient history and stunning natural beauty. As you hike, you will pass through the picturesque Ogbourne St. Andrew Village, home to a historic church. On clear days, you might even catch views stretching as far as the Vale of the White Horse and the Cotswolds, making this loop a rewarding experience for anyone seeking a blend of heritage and scenic landscapes.
4.7
(11)
72
hikers
8.38km
02:15
100m
100m
Embark on a moderate 5.2-mile (8.4 km) hike through the North Wessex Downs, offering wide, open views of rolling chalk downland. This loop, which takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete with an elevation gain of 340 feet (104 metres), features natural, unsurfaced tracks and grazed rough grassland. You'll experience an undulating path with gentle descents and a final ascent to Burderop Down, providing expansive vistas of landmarks like Liddington Castle and the distant Salisbury Plain. Look for characteristic clumps of Victorian-planted beech woodland and diverse flora, including bluebells in May, along the way.
When planning your hike, be aware that the chalky ground can become slippery when wet or with morning dew, so appropriate footwear is essential. The trail often starts from or passes through Barbury Castle Country Park, which offers commanding views across the Cotswolds. While mostly broad tracks, some parts may feature steps, stiles, and gates. The open nature of the downland means you will be exposed to the elements, so prepare for various weather conditions.
This trail is notable for its integration with The Ridgeway National Trail, often called "Britain's oldest road," used for at least 5,000 years. As you hike, you'll pass through Barbury Castle, an impressive Iron Age hillfort and a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The area is rich in archaeological sites, including Stone Age long barrows and Bronze Age round barrows, offering a journey through time. The Ridgeway section of the loop can feel surprisingly remote and unpopulated for southern England.
4.0
(7)
56
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 240 m
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Saturday 13 June
20°C
9°C
-- %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: -- km/h
Most visited during
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December