The Ridgeway: 8-day itinerary

1. Day 1

   Overton Hill to Ogbourne St George

   4–5 h 9.5 mi (15.3 km) ↑ 180 m (600 ft) ↓ 180 m (600 ft)

   The trail body's first section, and a gentle start. The path climbs gradually from the barrows by the A4 to Barbury Castle, then follows the wide crest of Smeathe's Ridge with views on both sides. Ogbourne St George, a village of thatched chalk-block cottages in the Og valley, has two pubs for the evening.

   Example stay The Sanctuary (opens in a new tab)

2. Day 2

   Ogbourne St George to Woolstone

   5–6 h 12.5 mi (20.1 km) ↑ 300 m (1,000 ft) ↓ 210 m (700 ft)

   A steep start out of the Og valley, then the long, easy climb onto Liddington Hill, at 276 m the highest point of the trail. Past the M4, a short stretch below Fox Hill runs on a busy road, so take care. Wayland's Smithy comes before the walk down to the thatched inn at Woolstone, below the White Horse.

   Example stay The White Horse at Woolstone (opens in a new tab)

3. Day 3

   Woolstone to Letcombe Regis

   2–3 h 5.9 mi (9.5 km) ↑ 90 m (300 ft) ↓ 130 m (450 ft)

   A half day for White Horse Hill. Climb from Woolstone to Dragon Hill, below the chalk figure the trail body calls internationally renowned. The track then runs east along the top, and Segsbury Camp looks down into Letcombe Regis. Court Hill Centre, a hostel just off the path, has the night's beds.

   Example stay Court Hill Centre (opens in a new tab)

4. Day 4

   Letcombe Regis to Goring

   6–7 h 14.8 mi (23.7 km) ↑ 150 m (500 ft) ↓ 310 m (1,000 ft)

   The longest day on the downs, so carry all your water. After rain the track can be soft and flooded in places, and the A34 underpass gives shelter. One walker found the long descent slow in the wet. It ends at an old crossing of a wide river, with Streatley on one bank and Goring on the other.

   Example stay The Miller of Mansfield (opens in a new tab)

5. Day 5

   Goring to Watlington

   6–7 h 15.0 mi (24.2 km) ↑ 390 m (1,300 ft) ↓ 300 m (1,000 ft)

   From the Thames into the hills. Grim's Ditch runs through trees on its old bank, and Swyncombe Downs is the climb of the day. St Botolph's, a small flint church at Swyncombe, is worth a pause. The approach to Watlington can be muddy, and the Fat Fox Inn waits in the town.

   Example stay The Fat Fox Inn (opens in a new tab)

6. Day 6

   Watlington to Saunderton

   4–5 h 9.7 mi (15.6 km) ↑ 160 m (500 ft) ↓ 170 m (550 ft)

   A short day along the foot of the Chiltern escarpment. The path goes under the M40 at Aston Rowant nature reserve, then passes above Chinnor. The night at Ridgeway Lodge is right by the path near Princes Risborough, so there is time to rest before the hilliest day of the plan.

   Example stay Ridgeway Lodge B&B

7. Day 7 Longest

   Saunderton to Aldbury

   7–8 h 15.9 mi (25.6 km) ↑ 500 m (1,650 ft) ↓ 490 m (1,600 ft)

   The longest day of this plan. Whiteleaf Hill comes early and steep, and the view from Coombe Hill takes in Chequers. Eat in Wendover. Bacombe Hill gives a last look over the town, then sunken holloways lead into the woods and down to the canal and Folly Farm at Bulbourne.

   Example stay Folly Farm Bed and Breakfast (opens in a new tab)

8. Day 8

   Aldbury to Ivinghoe Beacon

   1–2 h 3.2 mi (5.2 km) ↑ 170 m (550 ft) ↓ 80 m (250 ft)

   A short last morning through Aldbury Nowers and over the springy turf of the National Trust's Ashridge Estate to Ivinghoe Beacon. Walkers who finish all 87 miles can join the trail's Hall of Fame and buy a certificate. Tring station is about 3.5 miles back, or take the 61 bus.

   Finish The Ridgeway Finish

Cross-check: The Ridgeway trail information on National Trails . The trail body gives 87 miles (139 km) and six days. Distances on the cards are measured along the trail. A walk off the path to a bed is extra.

8-day itinerary FAQ