The Ridgeway - Chiltern Society

Explore the most ancient path in England

Widely recognised as England’s oldest road, this beautiful, prehistoric trail stretches over 87 miles from Overton Hill near the Avebury World Heritage site in Wiltshire to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire. The Ridgeway has always been valued by many walkers, horse riders and cyclists seeking enjoyment of the scenic landscapes through which it runs. Virtually the whole route is within either the Chilterns or the North Wessex Downs Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs).

One of only 16 designated National Trails, it is carefully managed by The Ridgeway Partnership, of which we are proud to be a founding member.

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Come and say hello

For half it’s length, The Ridgeway runs along the spine of the Chilterns. The route passes some of our unique nature reserves & heritage sites, perfect for a stop over.

An Inspiring Landscape

You’ll pass through a rich variety of landscapes… From the open downland of the western stretch, to the secluded valleys and pretty riverside stretch of the Thames section, to the woodlands and rolling hills of the Chilterns.

You could also take a detour along the Chiltern Way which criss-crosses the Ridgeway at several different points along the route.

Start exploring!

You could take on the Ridgeway in one go… or, if you prefer to explore at your leisure, let us help you choose a route with one of our circular trails.

Princes Risborough
Ridgeway Circular Walk

Try this 7 mile circular walk which follows sections of The Ridgeway and the Chiltern Way, and will take you through beautiful Chilterns scenery including some of our very own nature reserves and heritage sites.

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Ivinghoe Beacon
Ridgeway Circular Walk

A 10 mile circuit passing through the National Trust Ashridge Estate. You can enjoy the contrasts between the airy ridges on The Ridgeway and the patchwork of woods and fields on the Chiltern Way.

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