The Ridgeway

A walk along Britain's oldest road through the ancient landscapes of the Wessex Downs and the Chiltern Hills.

4 to 9 nights
42-91 miles
Moderate to Demanding

From £360 per person

About The Trail

An ancient track established by prehistoric man once stretched across the country from Dorset to Norfolk, and the Ridgeway follows it from Avebury 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 is a well-signposted and manageable route overall, and is well worth exploring.

We offer multiple holiday options along this trail. If you wish to walk the entire trail, simply select the first option from the list below.

Dog friendly tours available

Dogs are welcome on select routes along this trail. Look for the pawprint icon when choosing your holiday.

Trail running available

We also organise trail running holidays along this trail. Visit Contours Trail Running Holidays.

Routes on this trail

The Ridgeway

7 to 9 nights
91 miles
Moderate+
Dog friendly
From £600 per person
A self-guided walking holiday along Britain's oldest road, travelling from Avebury to Ivinghoe Beacon.Find Out More

The Ridgeway - West Section

4 to 5 nights
42 miles
Moderate+
From £360 per person
A walk along the historically rich landscape of the Wessex Downs, from Avebury to Goring.Find Out More

The Ridgeway - East Section

4 to 5 nights
48 miles
Moderate+
From £360 per person
A walk from Goring to Ivinghoe Beacon through the pretty villages and woodland of the Chiltern Hills.Find Out More

Customer reviews from the The Ridgeway

“We achieved what we wanted to in walking the Ridgeway and thought the accommodation and organisation very good. The quality of food was excellent, which is important to hungry walkers”
Mr Goddard, UK
“Very well organised like always.”
Mr Graber, Switzerland
“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
“Enjoyed traversing the landscape day by day. The variety of accommodation was fun and all comfortable and welcoming.”
Ms Germain, UK
“A very quiet walk with wonderful and varied views. We met lots of very friendly people.”
Mr Evans, UK
“Organisation by Contours was first class. Directions and maps particularly clear and helpful.”
Mr Hamnett, Australia
“All beds were comfortable and all breakfast good.”
Mr Clingan, UK
“Your organisation of accommodation and luggage transfers worked well (only a pity you couldn’t arrange better weather for us!)”
Mrs Gowers, UK
“A wonderful holiday. I enjoyed every step of the way. Absolutely faultless. Thank you very much indeed. Now thinking of next holiday.”
Mr Ames, UK