Section Overview
The first section of the Ridgeway is a beautifully varied introduction to the trail, beginning in the ancient village of Avebury and climbing onto the wide chalk plateau of the Marlborough Downs. The official start of the Ridgeway National Trail is at Overton Hill, a mile south of Avebury, but most walkers begin in the village itself to take in the extraordinary stone circles before setting off.
The route passes some of the most important prehistoric monuments in Europe, traverses open downland with sweeping views, and finishes in the quiet valley village of Ogbourne St George. At just 12 miles with around 752 metres of elevation gain across gentle gradients, this section is the most accessible on the whole trail.
Avebury Stone Circle & the Trail Start
Avebury is one of the most remarkable places in Britain. The village actually sits inside a vast Neolithic henge monument — a great circle of standing stones dating back more than 4,500 years. Together with the nearby Silbury Hill and the West Kennet Long Barrow, the Avebury complex forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Allow time to walk the stone circles before heading south through the village to pick up the trail. The official Ridgeway starting post at Overton Hill, marked with an acorn waymarker, is the formal beginning of the 87-mile National Trail.
West Kennet Long Barrow
A short detour from Overton Hill leads to the West Kennet Long Barrow — a 5,000-year-old Neolithic chambered tomb, one of the largest and most impressive in Britain. The stone-lined burial chamber at the far end of the barrow is still accessible and is a genuinely moving prehistoric site. The detour adds around 30 minutes to your walk but is highly recommended.
Marlborough Downs & Hackpen Hill
Leaving Overton Hill, the trail climbs steadily onto the broad chalk ridgeline of the Marlborough Downs. The landscape opens out dramatically — large arable fields, unimproved chalk grassland, and the sensation of being on top of the world. On a clear day the views extend across southern England in every direction.
At Hackpen Hill, a white horse carved into the chalky hillside provides a striking landmark. This particular white horse was cut in 1838 to celebrate the coronation of Queen Victoria. The views here, across the Vale of Pewsey and toward the distant Cotswolds, are among the finest on this section.
Barbury Castle
Roughly halfway through the section, the trail passes through Barbury Castle — a well-preserved Iron Age hillfort enclosing around 11 acres on a prominent chalk spur. The defensive ditches and ramparts are still impressive more than 2,000 years after they were built.
The site is now a country park managed by Wiltshire Council. The views from the ramparts take in the Vale of Pewsey, the Marlborough Downs, and on clear days as far as the Cotswolds. A National Nature Reserve adjacent to the hillfort protects important chalk grassland rich in wildflowers and invertebrates.
Descent to Ogbourne St George
From Barbury Castle, the trail descends gradually through a mix of minor lanes, farm tracks, and hedgerowed paths across quiet farmland. The landscape shifts noticeably from the open expanses of the downs to the more sheltered character of a river valley. The route follows the infant River Og downstream into the village.
Finishing at Ogbourne St George
The section ends at the charming village of Ogbourne St George, set in the narrow valley of the River Og. The village has a pub and B&B accommodation, making it an ideal overnight stop for those completing the trail in stages. Buses run between Ogbourne St George and Swindon for those needing onward transport.
See our Accommodation page for places to stay near this section.