The Ridgeway
Explore the Ridgeway at your own pace on a self-guided walking holiday. Accommodation, luggage transfer and custom holiday pack included.
The Ridgeway
https://www.contours.co.uk/the-ridgeway
A walk along Britain's oldest road through the ancient landscapes of the Wessex Downs and the Chiltern Hills.
From £541 per person
An ancient track established by prehistoric man once stretched across the country from Dorset to Norfolk, and the Ridgeway follows it from East Kennet to Ivinghoe Beacon. The trail passes through two distinct landscapes on the way: the rolling North Wessex Downs, and a landscape of beech woodland and farmland dotted with historic towns in the Chiltern Hills.
The long and rich history of these areas is clear throughout, in extraordinary stone circles, ancient barrows, and the striking figure of the Uffington White Horse. The Ridgeway walk is a well-signposted and manageable route overall, and is well worth exploring.
The Ridgeway is part of the Great Chalk Way, a 400-mile-long trading route traversing the south east of England. Contours Holidays don't currently cover the complete trail, but our Peddars Way itineraries may also be of interest for anyone stitching together a Great Chalk Way hike.
We offer multiple holiday options along this trail. If you wish to experience the entire trail, simply select the first option from the list below.
Dogs are welcome on select routes along this trail. Look for the pawprint icon when choosing your holiday.
We also organise trail running holidays along this route. Find out more.
From £961 per person
Follow an ancient track established by prehistoric man on a walking holiday along the Ridgeway National Trail. This undulating route once stretched across the country from Dorset all the way to Norfolk, and the Ridgeway follows in those past footsteps from East Kennet to Ivinghoe Beacon. The Ridgeway is 93 miles long and passes through two distinct landscapes on the way: the rolling North Wessex Downs, and a landscape of beech woodland and farmland dotted with historic towns in the Chiltern Hills.
The rich history of these areas is clear throughout, represented by extraordinary stone circles, ancient barrows, and the striking figure of the Uffington White Horse. The Ridgeway is a well-signposted and manageable route.
| Code | Tour | Duration | Price per person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RIDG1 | From East Kennett(T) to Ivinghoe Beacon | 6 days walking | £961 | |
| RIDG2 | From East Kennett(T) to Ivinghoe Beacon | 7 days walking | £1092 | |
| RIDG3 | From East Kennett(T) to Ivinghoe Beacon | 8 days walking | £1229 | |
| RIDG4 | From East Kennett(T) to Ivinghoe Beacon | 11 days walking | £1628 |
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“Enjoyed traversing the landscape day by day. The variety of accommodation was fun and all comfortable and welcoming.”Ms Germain, UK
“The holiday was excellent, well organised and very helpful people at the places we stayed at.”Mr Wilson, UK
“As always, very well organised and planned. I enjoyed the wide open panoramas on the Western half.”Mr Wilkins, UK
“It was a joy to be out in the fresh air and apart from the occasional cyclist, to be alone on the trail. The route was well signposted throughout and we rarely had to resort to the text of the guide book to find the way. We discovered parts of the country we had not really visited or explored at all and the whole walk was varied, not too strenuous and peaceful. Service was excellent as usual.”Mr Gill, UK
“We had a lovely time. All the accommodation was spotless and the breakfasts were all very good. It was wonderful to get away and we were surprised how cut off the villages were.”Mrs Petrie, UK
“A very quiet walk with wonderful and varied views. We met lots of very friendly people.”Mr Evans, UK
“Enjoyed the varied scenery with the added historical aspects. All transfers went without a hitch, and when, through illness, I had to use the baggage handlers, they were very helpful and understanding.”Mrs Hargreaves, Australia
“Great walk, wonderful scenery, history and interesting people met not to mention 100's of dogs patted! As usual with Contours the overnight accommodation was excellent. I am now wanting to continue along the greater Ridgeway to Norfolk!”Mrs Lovatt, Belgium
“We absolutely enjoyed the holiday that we had.”Mrs Curtis, UK
Dog friendly