The Ridgeway National Trail is Britain’s oldest road, and dates back to over 5,000 years ago. The 87-mile prehistoric track was used by travellers, shepherds and warriors
Touted as Britain’s oldest road, the Ridgeway National Trail is a timeworn path that has witnessed over 5,000 years of footsteps. Starting at the World Heritage Site in Avebury, Wiltshire, this prehistoric track spans 87 miles and culminates at Ivinghoe Beacon, known for its breathtaking vistas in the Chiltern Hills.
The trail not only offers a walk through history but also guides explorers past an array of remarkable sites, from Neolithic tombs to the folkloric Uffington White Horse, and diverse habitats like Barbury Castle, Wallingford Castle, and even the whimsical Pitstone Windmill. The Sanctuary, dating back to about 2500 BC with its original configuration of wooden posts and stones connected to Avebury, is now indicated with concrete markers denoting where these structures once stood.
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National Trails revealed the longstanding significance of the trail by stating: “For, at least 5,000 years and maybe many more, people, including drovers, traders and invaders, have walked or ridden The Ridgeway.”
They further explained: “As part of a prehistoric track, once stretching about 250 miles (400 Km) from the Dorset coast to the Wash on the Norfolk coast, it provided a route over the high ground for travellers which was less wooded and drier than routes through the springline villages below.”
Currently, the storied path is a favoured spot for hikers, runners, cyclists, and horse riders, drawn by both its natural splendour and its deep historical roots, reports the Express.
The Ridgeway National Trail, spanning an impressive 87 miles across the English countryside, is teeming with history and stunning landscapes.
Two unparalleled Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) – the North Wessex Downs and The Chilterns – beckon explorers along this divided six-section path known for its breathtaking scenery from West of the River Thames to the enchanting East.
The trail boasts awe-inspiring vistas of open downland, secluded tracks, and a treasure trove of historical sites in the West, while walkers can indulge in the scenic beauty of wooded valleys, flourishing nature reserves, and idyllic villages in The Chilterns.
TripAdvisor user Louise Head shared her experience, saying: “The walk to see Wayland Smithy is so worth it. It is a beautiful place so atmospheric.
“The walk up too White Horse hill is a lovely walk thoroughly recommend it.” Another hiker from Aberdeen marvelled at the ancient connection, writing: “The Ridgeway follows an 87 mile long route used since prehistoric times by travellers and herdsmen.
“It’s amazing to think you’re treading in the footsteps of our ancient ancestors.”
One more trekker added: “The trail runs from Overton Hill to Ivinghoe Beacon, but of course you don’t have to walk it all! We walked a section in the Chilterns, and midweek it was very quiet. It’s a well signposted route offering lovely views over rolling countryside.”
A TripAdvisor user from Exeter shared their experience: “Myself and a friend rode the full length of the ridgeway, starting in West Kennet and picking up the Swan way and Icknield way riders route east of Streatley where the Ridgeway itself becomes a footpath.
“We averaged 18 – 20 miles per day which was a nice easy pace allowing time for sightseeing.
“Our total mileage was 103. It is a lovely ride with stunning scenery and little roadwork. We found horse friendly B&B’s along the route which meant we had to carry less gear. Highly recommend!”