Britain's oldest road, The Ridgeway, boasts an incredible 5,000-year history and continues to attract travellers to this day. Widely acknowledged as the nation's most ancient route, it even ranks among the world's oldest roads, offering a unique blend of historical exploration and outdoor recreation.
A Journey Through Millennia
Stretching 87 miles from Avebury in Wiltshire to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire, this historic elevated pathway has served countless generations. Its usage spans from prehistoric times through Roman, Saxon, and medieval periods, making it a living timeline of British heritage. Whilst much of The Ridgeway is now off-road, it remains a beloved public trail managed as a National Trail.
Archaeological Treasures Along the Route
Travellers along the route can discover an array of archaeological wonders. These include Neolithic long barrows, Bronze Age round barrows, and Iron Age hillforts. Additionally, walkers can admire striking white chalk figures carved into the hillsides, adding to the trail's visual and historical appeal.
Modern Accessibility and Experience
These days, visitors can tackle the route on foot, by bicycle, or on horseback, making it accessible to various outdoor enthusiasts. For those wanting to complete the entire distance, it's achievable in under a week, with a pace of 15 miles daily allowing walkers to finish in six days. As one of Britain's shorter National Trails, The Ridgeway frequently serves as an ideal starting point for newcomers to long-distance walking.
Accommodation and Facilities
Numerous campsites dot the route, alongside B&Bs and lodges for overnight stays, ensuring comfort for multi-day adventurers. The trail begins in Avebury and heads in a north-easterly direction, passing through diverse landscapes.
Scenic Diversity and Natural Beauty
According to National Trail, west of the River Thames, The Ridgeway is a broad track passing through the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), often quite a distance from villages or towns. East of the Thames, it travels through the more wooded and intimate hills and valleys of the Chilterns AONB. Here, besides further archaeological treasures, there are several nature reserves rich in wildlife found in chalk grassland habitats. In the Chilterns, The Ridgeway goes close to or through several villages and small towns where refreshments and other facilities are easily available.
Seasonal Highlights
Walkers can experience the Ridgeway throughout the year, though spring to autumn offers the finest views, weather, and wildlife spotting opportunities. Those tackling the trail in May are frequently treated to a spectacular bluebell carpet across the Chiltern woodlands, enhancing the natural beauty of the journey.
Overall, The Ridgeway stands as a testament to Britain's rich history, seamlessly blending ancient pathways with modern recreational use, inviting all to explore its timeless charm.
