UK's oldest road that's 87-miles long and was used by people 5,000 years ago
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.
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!"
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North Wales Chronicle
11 minutes ago
- North Wales Chronicle
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Those intending to travel on Monday can do so on Sunday, the operator said, with tickets also being valid until Wednesday. Avanti West Coast advised passengers not to travel north of Preston on Monday as it expects its Scottish-English routes to be 'heavily affected' by Storm Floris. The operator said services are likely to be impacted in Lancaster, Oxenholme, Penrith, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Haymarket, Glasgow Central and Edinburgh. Tickets dated for Monday for these areas will be accepted on Sunday and Tuesday, it added. 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'Officials will be monitoring the situation and are ready to stand up the Multi Agency Response Team, if required. 'I am grateful to those who are giving up their weekend and time off to help co-ordinate the transport sector's response. 'Traffic Scotland, Police Scotland, Sepa, local authorities and others will communicate any closures to the public and provide real-time updates.' Scottish ferry operator CalMac has issued a series of cancellation warnings ahead of the storm. 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Shaun Jones, of the AA, said: 'If you're planning a journey – especially through exposed or rural areas – it's worth checking the latest forecast, allow extra time, and be prepared for the unexpected. 'Keep both hands on the wheel, especially on open roads and motorways, and be mindful of high-sided vehicles and cyclists who may be more affected by gusts. 'Watch out for fallen branches or debris, particularly in rural areas – this could be telltale signs of a fallen tree ahead.' If strong winds are forecast, make sure you keep your home protected. Secure loose objects such as ladders, garden furniture or anything that could be blown into windows and cause danger. Find out more at — Scottish Government (@scotgov) August 2, 2025 Met Office chief meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said: 'Across the warning area, many inland areas are likely to see gusts of 40-50mph, with 60-70mph more likely at higher elevations and around exposed coasts in Scotland. 'There is a small chance that some locations here could even record gusts of 85mph.' The strongest winds will most likely affect Scotland on Monday afternoon and night but 'there remains some uncertainty in the depth and track of Floris', a spokesperson added. 'Winds will first ease in the west during later Monday but remaining very strong overnight until early Tuesday in the east. 'Heavy rain may also contribute to the disruption in places.' The warning zone covers Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland, north Wales and the north of England. Storm Floris is the sixth named storm of the 2024-25 naming season, which runs from early September to late August, and January's Storm Eowyn was the most recent.
Western Telegraph
15 minutes ago
- Western Telegraph
Trains cancelled as Storm Floris set to batter Scotland with 85mph winds
An amber weather warning is in place for the majority of Scotland between 10am and 10pm on Monday, while a yellow warning for wind is also in place as far south as Manchester and north Wales as well as the entirety of Northern Ireland between 6am and midnight on Monday. The Met Office has warned of travel disruption when the summer storm hits, with the Scottish Transport Secretary saying the unseasonable weather makes raising awareness even more important. Trains and ferries have already been cancelled, with Network Rail set to close a number of routes at 12pm on Monday. All other routes will see a reduced timetable and longer journey times due to speed restrictions. Edinburgh – Fife/Perth/Dundee, Perth – Dundee/Aberdeen/Inverness, and Inverness – Aberdeen/Wick/Thurso/Kyle of Lochalshare are among a number of lines that will close from noon. Train operator LNER has warned passengers not to travel north of Newcastle on Monday as a result of the forecast. 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'Officials will be monitoring the situation and are ready to stand up the Multi Agency Response Team, if required. 'I am grateful to those who are giving up their weekend and time off to help co-ordinate the transport sector's response. 'Traffic Scotland, Police Scotland, Sepa, local authorities and others will communicate any closures to the public and provide real-time updates.' Scottish ferry operator CalMac has issued a series of cancellation warnings ahead of the storm. 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Shaun Jones, of the AA, said: 'If you're planning a journey – especially through exposed or rural areas – it's worth checking the latest forecast, allow extra time, and be prepared for the unexpected. 'Keep both hands on the wheel, especially on open roads and motorways, and be mindful of high-sided vehicles and cyclists who may be more affected by gusts. 'Watch out for fallen branches or debris, particularly in rural areas – this could be telltale signs of a fallen tree ahead.' If strong winds are forecast, make sure you keep your home protected. Secure loose objects such as ladders, garden furniture or anything that could be blown into windows and cause danger. Find out more at — Scottish Government (@scotgov) August 2, 2025 Met Office chief meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said: 'Across the warning area, many inland areas are likely to see gusts of 40-50mph, with 60-70mph more likely at higher elevations and around exposed coasts in Scotland. 'There is a small chance that some locations here could even record gusts of 85mph.' The strongest winds will most likely affect Scotland on Monday afternoon and night but 'there remains some uncertainty in the depth and track of Floris', a spokesperson added. 'Winds will first ease in the west during later Monday but remaining very strong overnight until early Tuesday in the east. 'Heavy rain may also contribute to the disruption in places.' The warning zone covers Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland, north Wales and the north of England. Storm Floris is the sixth named storm of the 2024-25 naming season, which runs from early September to late August, and January's Storm Eowyn was the most recent.
The Herald Scotland
21 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
Trains cancelled as Storm Floris set to batter Scotland with 85mph winds
The Met Office has warned of travel disruption when the summer storm hits, with the Scottish Transport Secretary saying the unseasonable weather makes raising awareness even more important. Trains and ferries have already been cancelled, with Network Rail set to close a number of routes at 12pm on Monday. All other routes will see a reduced timetable and longer journey times due to speed restrictions. Edinburgh – Fife/Perth/Dundee, Perth – Dundee/Aberdeen/Inverness, and Inverness – Aberdeen/Wick/Thurso/Kyle of Lochalshare are among a number of lines that will close from noon. Train operator LNER has warned passengers not to travel north of Newcastle on Monday as a result of the forecast. Those intending to travel on Monday can do so on Sunday, the operator said, with tickets also being valid until Wednesday. Avanti West Coast advised passengers not to travel north of Preston on Monday as it expects its Scottish-English routes to be 'heavily affected' by Storm Floris. The operator said services are likely to be impacted in Lancaster, Oxenholme, Penrith, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Haymarket, Glasgow Central and Edinburgh. Tickets dated for Monday for these areas will be accepted on Sunday and Tuesday, it added. The Met Office said gusts could reach 85mph on exposed coasts or hills north of the border. ⚠️⚠️ Amber weather warning issued ⚠️⚠️#StormFloris to bring unseasonably strong winds across parts of Scotland Monday 1000 – 2200 Latest info 👉 Stay #WeatherAware ⚠️ — Met Office (@metoffice) August 3, 2025 Scottish Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said a meeting had been held on Friday to ensure the country is ready for the storm, adding: 'Given the unusual timing, and the fact some people will be on holiday, travelling or perhaps unaware, we are trying to raise even more awareness than usual of this potentially disruptive storm. 'Please check with operators as we do expect rail, ferries, roads and bridges to be disrupted on Monday across the country. 'This is a slightly unusual situation for August, however the message is the same as winter – plan ahead, check your journey in advance, allow extra time, and don't take any unnecessary risks. 'Officials will be monitoring the situation and are ready to stand up the Multi Agency Response Team, if required. 'I am grateful to those who are giving up their weekend and time off to help co-ordinate the transport sector's response. 'Traffic Scotland, Police Scotland, Sepa, local authorities and others will communicate any closures to the public and provide real-time updates.' Scottish ferry operator CalMac has issued a series of cancellation warnings ahead of the storm. 'Disruption to sailings is expected across our network on Monday August 4 due to forecasted strong winds across parts of Scotland's west coast,' it posted on X. ⚠️AMBER WEATHER WARNING⚠️ The @metoffice has issued an AMBER warning for WIND🍃 Monday (04/08) 10:00- Monday (04/08) 23:59 YELLOW warnings are also still in place: Monday (04/08) 06:00- Monday (04/08) 22:00 More information can be found here👉 — Traffic Scotland (@trafficscotland) August 3, 2025 Elsewhere, motorists have been urged to slow down in poor weather and avoid exposed Highland and coastal routes. Rod Dennis, of the RAC breakdown service, said: 'This unseasonable bout of stormy weather will mean drivers in the north and west of the UK need to take extra care at the start of next week. 'It's the height of the holiday season, so those towing trailers and caravans, as well as those with roof and tent boxes, must ensure their loads are properly secured.' Shaun Jones, of the AA, said: 'If you're planning a journey – especially through exposed or rural areas – it's worth checking the latest forecast, allow extra time, and be prepared for the unexpected. 'Keep both hands on the wheel, especially on open roads and motorways, and be mindful of high-sided vehicles and cyclists who may be more affected by gusts. 'Watch out for fallen branches or debris, particularly in rural areas – this could be telltale signs of a fallen tree ahead.' If strong winds are forecast, make sure you keep your home protected. Secure loose objects such as ladders, garden furniture or anything that could be blown into windows and cause danger. Find out more at — Scottish Government (@scotgov) August 2, 2025 Met Office chief meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said: 'Across the warning area, many inland areas are likely to see gusts of 40-50mph, with 60-70mph more likely at higher elevations and around exposed coasts in Scotland. 'There is a small chance that some locations here could even record gusts of 85mph.' The strongest winds will most likely affect Scotland on Monday afternoon and night but 'there remains some uncertainty in the depth and track of Floris', a spokesperson added. 'Winds will first ease in the west during later Monday but remaining very strong overnight until early Tuesday in the east. 'Heavy rain may also contribute to the disruption in places.' The warning zone covers Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland, north Wales and the north of England. Storm Floris is the sixth named storm of the 2024-25 naming season, which runs from early September to late August, and January's Storm Eowyn was the most recent.
