Two days on the Ridgeway
A hard walk (countryside) starting and finishing in Wiltshire, England, about 41.50km (25.79 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 12:45h (1 overnight stay). It is suitable for families with children, but unsuitable for prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
172m (564ft)
Descent
311m (1020ft)
Max. Elevation
260m (853ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
483m (1584ft)
Start
Wanborough
End
Goring
Distance
41.50km
(25.79mi)
(25.79mi)
Duration
~12:45h
Difficulty
Hard
Ordnance Survey Map
Swindon and Reading might not sound like classic walking destinations, but between the two towns is a fine stretch of one of our underrated national trails - the Ridgeway. This two-day walk follows the path along the chalk downs that cross Wiltshire and Berkshire, and good transport connections make this practical for a weekend away. More info on accommodation here: http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk
Walk Functions
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Nearby Walks
The ancient Ridgeway
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- $walk->POI array(0)
Waypoints
OS Grid SU230812
Take the 46 or 48 bus from Swindon to Foxhill, then pick up the track. The stop is also called 'Shepherd's Rest' and has an Indian restaurant nearby; check with the driver when you get on.
OS Grid SU236817
The Ridgeway rises over Fox Hill and continues along the track. Easy navigation, this.
About 0.79 km (~0.49 miles) from 
OS Grid SU274847
Continue to Wayland's Smithy, one of many ancient sites along the route: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/waylands-smithy/
About 4.80 km (~2.98 miles) from 
OS Grid SU301863
Continue to Whitehorse Hill, where you will find the White Horse of Uffington: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/uffington-castle-white-horse-and-dragon-hill/
About 3.13 km (~1.94 miles) from 
OS Grid SU323862
The route changes direction here, following a southeastern trajectory.
About 2.17 km (~1.35 miles) from 
OS Grid SU346847
Continue past the steeply sided Devil's Punchbowl.
About 2.70 km (~1.68 miles) from 
OS Grid SU376841
The best place to find a bed for the night on day one is Wantage. Pick up the path down to the town from here.
About 3.12 km (~1.94 miles) from 
OS Grid SU404843
On day two, head back up towards the Ridgeway at White House Farm.
About 2.78 km (~1.73 miles) from 
OS Grid SU418841
A short uphill stretch onto Yew Down.
About 1.44 km (~0.89 miles) from 
OS Grid SU437847
Continue past the patches of woodland around Ardington Down.
About 1.90 km (~1.18 miles) from 
OS Grid SU470844
Next comes Bury Down, where you cross the A34.
About 3.30 km (~2.05 miles) from 
OS Grid SU509819
A mishmash of footpaths around Compton Downs, but this national trail is well signposted.
About 4.63 km (~2.88 miles) from 
OS Grid SU527823
At Roden Downs, you are nearing the home straight... for this walk at least.
About 1.84 km (~1.14 miles) from 
OS Grid SU551812
Near Ham Wood, the path begins to descend into Thurle Down.
About 2.64 km (~1.64 miles) from 
OS Grid SU588815
Veer southwards into Streatley.
About 3.72 km (~2.31 miles) from 
OS Grid SU591807
Finish at the YHA in Streatley, or continue to the station at Goring.
About 0.84 km (~0.52 miles) from 
Goring & Streatley stationOS Grid SU602806
Finish at the station for the train home. There are regular trains to Reading, which connects with Swindon.
About 1.10 km (~0.68 miles) from 
