The Ridgeway National Trail stretches across the heart of southern England, offering walkers a journey through ancient landscapes, historic sites, and stunning countryside. The trail is divided into six sections, each with its own character and highlights. Use the guides below to plan your walk stage by stage.
Section 1
Avebury to Ogbourne St George
12 Miles
A great introduction to the trail, passing ancient monuments, open chalk downs, and charming village landscapes. Begins at the famous Avebury Stone Circle — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Suitable for moderate fitness levels.
Section 2
Ogbourne St George to Sparsholt Firs
16 Miles
One of the most remote stretches of the whole trail, crossing open farmland, undulating hills, and ancient earthworks. Highlights include the Neolithic long barrow at Wayland's Smithy — one of the most evocative prehistoric sites in England.
Section 3
Sparsholt Firs to Streatley
17 Miles
Combines sweeping panoramic views, ancient earthworks, and remote farmland before descending to the riverside village of Streatley-on-Thames. The iconic Uffington White Horse — the oldest chalk figure in Britain — is a highlight of this section.
Section 4
Streatley to Watlington
15 Miles
Transitions from wide, open downs into the rolling Chiltern hills, with beech woods, chalk grassland, and hidden valleys. The trail crosses the Thames and enters a distinctly greener, more wooded landscape for the remainder of the route.
Section 5
Watlington to Wendover
17 Miles
A classic Chilterns experience through ancient beech woods, across panoramic chalk ridges, and past Iron Age hillforts. Chequers, the Prime Minister's country residence, is visible from the trail on clear days.
Section 6
Wendover to Ivinghoe Beacon
11.8 Miles
The final section follows the chalk escarpment north-east to Ivinghoe Beacon — an ancient hillfort and the northern terminus of the Ridgeway. A fitting finale with wide views in every direction and a real sense of achievement on arrival.
Planning Your Sections
Most walkers complete the full trail over six to eight days, taking roughly one section per day with overnight stops at nearby villages and towns. Accommodation along the route ranges from B&Bs and country pubs to campsites — see our Accommodation page for listings by section.
The trail can be walked in either direction. Most walkers travel west-to-east (Avebury to Ivinghoe Beacon), following the natural grain of the landscape and finishing at the dramatic Ivinghoe Beacon viewpoint. For detailed maps, consider one of our recommended Trail Guides.