Britain's oldest road spans 87 miles of history with stunning landscapes

Daily Record

04-06-2025

The Ridgeway National Trail is an ancient path that has been walked by everyone from drovers to traders, and even invaders, and today it's a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts
The Ridgeway National Trail, known as Britain's most ancient road, is steeped in history with over 5,000 years' worth of travellers having traversed its length. Commencing at the World Heritage Site of Avebury in Wiltshire, the trail stretches for an impressive 87 miles until reaching the stunning outlook of Ivinghoe Beacon amidst the Chiltern Hills.
A walk along this historic way doesn't only transport you back in time but also entices with a tapestry of significant landmarks ranging from Neolithic barrows to the enchanting Uffington White Horse and varied landscapes such as Barbury and Wallingford Castles, including the quaint Pitstone Windmill.
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The mysterious circle known as The Sanctuary, a site dating back to about 2500 BC initially comprising wooden posts and stones, has been marked out in modern times with concrete markers where these ancient structures would have stood.
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National Trails underscored the path's historical importance, stating: "For, at least 5,000 years and maybe many more, people, including drovers, traders and invaders, have walked or ridden The Ridgeway."
Detailing further, they said: "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."
Today, the iconic route remains a beloved haunt for walkers, runners, cyclists, and equestrians alike, all lured by its rich tapestry of nature and deep-seated historical resonance, according to a report by the Express, reports the Mirror.
The Ridgeway National Trail stretches a remarkable 87 miles through the English landscape, steeped in heritage and spectacular natural beauty.
Traversing two unequalled Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the North Wessex Downs and The Chilterns, this six-part segmented track attracts with its dramatic views spanning from the west side of the River Thames to the captivating eastern reaches.
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With majestic outlooks over open downland, secluded trails, and a plethora of ancient sites in the West, the trail provides an abundance of eye-catching prospects. Meanwhile, The Chilterns section tempts ramblers with its picturesque wooded valleys, thriving wildlife havens, and picture-postcard villages.
Sharing her journey on TripAdvisor, Louise Head commented: "The walk to see Wayland Smithy is so worth it. It is a beautiful place so atmospheric."
Another ardently recommended segment was White Horse Hill, with one walker asserting: "The walk up to White Horse hill is a lovely walk thoroughly recommend it."
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A traveller from Aberdeen expressed awe over the trail's deep-rooted history, noting: "The Ridgeway follows an 87 mile long route used since prehistoric times by travellers and herdsmen."
To tread the same ground as those from aeons past left them enthralled: "It's amazing to think you're treading in the footsteps of our ancient ancestors."
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Additionally, another outdoor enthusiast remarked: "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 recounted their journey: "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."
They added: "We averaged 18 - 20 miles per day which was a nice easy pace allowing time for sightseeing."
The user concluded with their total distance and recommendation: "Our total mileage was 103. It is a lovely ride with stunning scenery and little roadwork.
"We found horse friendly BandB's along the route which meant we had to carry less gear. Highly recommend!"