The ancient Ridgeway
A strenuous walk (low hills and fells (below 600m)) starting and finishing in Wiltshire, England, about 25.90km (16.09 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 8:00h (1 overnight stay). It is unsuitable for families with children, prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
219m (718ft)
Descent
208m (682ft)
Max. Elevation
280m (918ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
427m (1400ft)
Start
Liddington, Swindon
End
Avebury
Distance
25.90km
(16.09mi)
(16.09mi)
Duration
~8:00h
Difficulty
Strenuous
Created by Anonymous Walker on 04 Mar 2015
The Ridgeway is an ancient road passing through Wiltshire and Oxfordshire from Avebury to the Chilterns. At 85 miles long, walking the whole route takes several days, but you can knock off a good chunk in a day walk. The stretch southeast of Swindon has some of the best views and good transport links from the town, making it a good option for a taste of this historic route. For more information about the Ridgeway, visit: www.nationaltrail.co.uk/ridgeway
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Two days on the Ridgeway
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- $walk->POI array(0)
Waypoints
OS Grid SU207813
Take the bus from Swindon to Liddington.
OS Grid SU205811
Find the footpath near the church, which leads you under the motorway.
About 0.26 km (~0.16 miles) from 
OS Grid SU209802
At Hill Barn, turn left and then right for a short bit of road walking. The B-road in particular can be busy so take care.
About 1.01 km (~0.63 miles) from 
OS Grid SU218803
On the right-hand side of the road, a track leads up Liddington Hill. This is the Ridgeway, so easy navigation from here!
About 0.88 km (~0.55 miles) from 
OS Grid SU212796
The first great views of the day. You can see much of your route for the day stretching out before you.
About 0.93 km (~0.58 miles) from 
OS Grid SU213773
Keep heading due south as the Ridgeway passes between Upper and Lower Upham.
About 2.31 km (~1.44 miles) from 
OS Grid SU216749
The path keeps to the high ground over Round Hill Downs.
About 2.44 km (~1.52 miles) from 
OS Grid SU205734
The path goes south around Ogbourne St George but consider a detour if you want lunch. The Inn with the Well is a good spot: http://theinnwithawell.publishpath.com/
About 1.86 km (~1.16 miles) from 
OS Grid SU192745
The Ridgeway heads west from here, following the lower slopes of Coombe Down.
About 1.73 km (~1.07 miles) from 
OS Grid SU175752
Regain the height by ascending Smeathe's Ridge.
About 1.82 km (~1.13 miles) from 
OS Grid SU149762
This is the site of an iron age hill fort, one of many such sites found in the county of Wiltshire.
About 2.79 km (~1.73 miles) from 
OS Grid SU135756
Turn towards the southwest as you keep to the high ground across Hackpen Hill.
About 1.53 km (~0.95 miles) from 
OS Grid SU124731
More great scenery at Rough Hill. Keep heading south here.
About 2.73 km (~1.7 miles) from 
OS Grid SU125708
At the path junction near Avebury, join the Wesses Ridgeway to reach Avebury.
About 2.31 km (~1.44 miles) from 
AveburyOS Grid SU102699
Finish up in this small town famous for its stone circle. Buses back to Swindon leave regularly and also to other towns nearby.
About 2.46 km (~1.53 miles) from 
