Distance: 12 miles (19.3 km)
Time: 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Ascent: Approximately 752 meters
Terrain: Dirt trail, grass, gravel, road
Start: Avebury, Wiltshire
Finish: Ogbourne St George
Weather Forecast for this Section (Next 7 Days)
Section Overview
Your walk begins at Avebury, home to one of Britain’s largest Neolithic stone circles. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is perfect for a pre-walk visit. Take time to explore the stones, Avebury Henge, and the surrounding village before setting off.
West Kennet Long Barrow & Overton Hill
Leaving Avebury, the Ridgeway passes through gentle farmland and meadows. About a mile from the start, consider a short detour to West Kennet Long Barrow, a 5,000-year-old burial mound. Returning to the trail, the path ascends Overton Hill, historically significant and marking the official start of the Ridgeway National Trail.
Marlborough Downs & Hackpen Hill
The trail continues northeast across the Marlborough Downs, offering wide-open views of rolling chalk hills. Look out for the Hackpen Hill White Horse, a chalk hill figure visible from several points along the route. This is an excellent spot for a break and photographs.
Barbury Castle
Approaching Barbury Castle, the Ridgeway climbs to an Iron Age hillfort. While you don’t need to explore the ramparts, the elevated position offers panoramic views of the surrounding downs and Vale of Pewsey. This historic feature is a highlight of the walk.
Descent into the Ogbourne Valley
After Barbury Castle, the trail gently descends into the Ogbourne Valley. Here, you walk along minor lanes and through farmland, interspersed with hedgerows and small woods. The path is flatter and calmer, a peaceful end to the section.
Finishing at Ogbourne St George
The walk concludes in Ogbourne St George, a charming village with local amenities including a pub and accommodation options. This is a perfect place to rest or stay overnight before continuing along the Ridgeway.
Next Section
Ogbourne St George to Sparsholt Firs (16 Miles)
The second section of the Ridgeway is one of the most remote stretches of the trail. It offers a peaceful walk through open farmland, undulating hills, and ancient earthworks. Along the way, you’ll encounter ancient monuments, including Neolithic long barrows like Wayland’s Smithy, which hint at the area’s long history of human settlement. The section ends in the small town of Sparsholt Firs.