- On trail 16.7 mi 26.9 km
- Walking time 7–8 h
- Ascent 370 m 1,200 ft
- Descent 320 m 1,050 ft
- Difficulty Moderate
Over the highest ground to Wayland's Smithy and the White Horse.
Section 2: Ogbourne St George to Sparsholt Firs map
Cross-check: National Trails route description . Opened 31 October 2026. The distance at the top of this page is measured between these ends. The route page's miles stay in the answers below.
The walk
Two of the oldest sights in Britain sit on this stretch: Wayland's Smithy, a Neolithic long barrow guarded by huge sarsens, and the Uffington White Horse. Getting there means the most remote miles of the Ridgeway. A steep climb out of the Og valley leads to Liddington Hill, at 276 m the trail's highest point. Beyond the M4 the chalk rolls on for miles under big skies.
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Start of section
Ogbourne St George
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High point
Liddington Hill
A long, easy climb to the trail's highest point, "a modest 276m". Liddington Castle, a short climb off the path, gives expansive views.
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Ancient site
Wayland's Smithy
A Neolithic long barrow a few paces off the trail, with huge sarsens at its entrance. One walker called it "Phenomenal".
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The sight
The White Horse
The trail body's "internationally-renowned Bronze-Age Uffington White Horse", cut into the chalk above Woolstone and seen from Dragon Hill.
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End of section
Sparsholt Firs
Section 2: Ogbourne St George to Sparsholt Firs overview
The ground
- Chalk downs
- Byway
- Remote
A long, remote day on the downs. Gentle climbs, but little shelter or water. The most remote section, and one of the longest, with no village on the ridge.
Stops
Refreshments
- Ogbourne St George
- at the start
Toilets
- The route page does not name a public toilet on this section
Before you go
Opposite direction
Sparsholt Firs to Ogbourne St George
Walked from Sparsholt Firs, the White Horse and Wayland's Smithy come while you are fresh, so linger. The road below Fox Hill is the one hazard. Liddington Castle, a short climb off the path, gives wide views before the steep drop to the Og.
End of section
Ogbourne St George
Ogbourne St George to Sparsholt Firs FAQ
How long is Ogbourne St George to Sparsholt Firs?
The route page lists 16 miles (25.6 km). The distance at the top of this page is measured between these ends.
Where can I stop for the night?
Nothing is on the ridge itself. Our 6- and 7-day plans walk down to Liddington, and the 8-day to the White Horse inn at Woolstone. Letcombe Regis, below Segsbury Camp just past Sparsholt Firs, has a hostel close to the path.
Can I download a GPX for Ogbourne St George to Sparsholt Firs?
Yes. Use the GPX button at the top of this page. It is this section's line, for Garmin, Komoot, or your phone. Open the planner if you want a file built around your overnight stops.
Walk this as a day
Days 1 and 2 of the 6- and 7-day share this section, with the night at Liddington. Open the planner on that preset, then export a full-trip or per-day GPX.
Open in planner Read the 6-day itinerary
Full-trip and per-day GPX files. Free, no account.
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