We are the Chiltern Young Walkers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
2023 marks 50 years of The Ridgeway footpath!
Have you noticed signs for the Ridgeway when walking in the Chilterns?
Ever wondered about where it goes?
The Ridgeway National Trail is part of Britain’s oldest road and follows the same route over the high ground used since prehistoric times by travelers, herdsmen and soldiers. The path is in a surprisingly remote part of southern central England with views over open countryside form much of its length of 87 miles (139 km) from Overton Hill near the Avebury Stone Circle World Heritage Site in the North Wessex Downs AONB to Ivinghoe Beacon in the Chilterns AONB.
In 2023 CYW are planning to walk the Ridgeway to celebrate its anniversary. Starting at the eastern end in our familiar patch, we’ll walk the first few sections in day walks and the sections towards the end will either be coordinated with group lifts or optional weekends away.
The sixth section takes an undulating route from the Uffington White Horse through to the charming village of Ogbourne St George. Largely limescale track, we pass Wayland's Smithy, a neolithic long barrow dating back to at least 1590 BC. We'll contiunue west, passing between Charlbury and Fox Hills respectively, before crossing the M4 (finally!) and ambling past the remains of Liddington Castle fort. Finally, we'll continue through the downs until reaching Ogbourne-St-George, our stopping point for the day.
Note: this is another particularly remote part of The Ridgeway and we won't pass through any villages enroute. Please plan water and food accordingly. This is a moderate walk with around 250m of ascent over the walk. Please wear appropriate clothing (no jeans, please), walking boots/shoes, bring warm layers, waterproofs, a packed lunch and plenty of water.
Meet at Ogbourne St George High Street. There is free parking along the road (road name, High Street) but we will meet by the intersection of High Street and Bottom Lane - from there we will organise ourselves into cars and head to the actual start point, Uffington White Horse carpark.
It would be very much appreciated if you could let Beth know in advance if you're willing to take people to the walk start point in your car.
At the end of the walk, we will drop those people back at their cars at Uffington White Horse.
Given this is quite a way from our patch and we plan to do the final walk the next day, you may choose to stay nearby to avoid travelling back and forth.
The nearest budget hotel is Holiday Inn Swindon, but Swindon also has a number of other options such as Alexandra House, The Sanctuary B&B in Ogbourne itself or the Bear Hotel in Marlborough. Rooms average around £70-90 per night but there are limited options to suit all budgets. Early booking is advised.
Its suggested to pop a comment saying the options you're interested in and where you're coming from, if you are planning on driving etc so we can carpool as much as possible. We also recommend booking your accomodation asap if you're planning on staying.
We will meet by the intersection of High Street and Bottom Lane (pin is accurate) - from there we will organise ourselves into cars and head to the actual start point, Uffington White Horse carpark.
The actual walk will start from Uffington White Horse carpark
