Section Overview
This is one of the most remote and demanding stretches of the entire Ridgeway. Leaving the valley at Ogbourne St George, the trail climbs back onto the chalk downs and heads east through open farmland, undulating hills, and ancient earthworks. There are very few facilities along the way, and the sense of solitude is profound — on a clear weekday you may walk for hours without seeing another person.
The highlight of this section is undoubtedly Wayland's Smithy, one of the most atmospheric prehistoric monuments in England. The route crosses from Wiltshire into Oxfordshire mid-section, with a subtle but noticeable shift in the landscape character. The section finishes at Sparsholt Firs, a quiet area of woodland with no facilities.
Leaving Ogbourne St George
The trail leaves Ogbourne St George heading south-east, passing through the village past traditional stone cottages and along quiet country lanes before climbing back onto the open downs. The official trail begins near Elm Tree Cottage south of the village centre.
Once back on the ridge, the wide chalky track resumes and the views open up across the Wiltshire countryside. This early stretch is straightforward and provides a good warm-up before the remoter miles ahead.
Wayland's Smithy
Around four miles into the section, a short detour off the main trail leads to Wayland's Smithy — a Neolithic long barrow and chambered tomb dating back more than 5,000 years. The monument consists of a stone-lined burial chamber set within a long earthen mound, surrounded by a screen of large sarsen stones. English Heritage maintains the site and it is freely accessible.
The name comes from Anglo-Saxon legend: Wayland the Smith was a mythical blacksmith of the gods, and folklore held that if you left your horse here overnight with a coin on a stone, you would find it shod in the morning. The site has a powerful atmosphere, particularly at dawn or dusk, and is one of the most memorable stops on the entire Ridgeway.
Crossing into Oxfordshire
The county boundary between Wiltshire and Oxfordshire is crossed roughly mid-section, though there is no dramatic marker. The landscape begins to shift subtly — the chalk downs become slightly broader and more open, and the arable fields give way more frequently to areas of rough chalk grassland and scrub.
This stretch of the trail is genuinely remote. The nearest village is usually several miles away, and there are limited escape routes. Carry sufficient water and food, as there are no shops or cafés between Ogbourne and Sparsholt Firs.
Helen Browning's Flying Pig Farm Stall
At approximately eight miles, the trail passes the junction near Helen Browning's Ridgeway Farm, home to the Flying Pig farm stall. This popular roadside stop sells fresh, locally sourced produce including seasonal fruit, pastries, cheeses, and coffee. It is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am–3pm — a welcome oasis on an otherwise facilities-free stretch.
Arriving at Sparsholt Firs
The section ends at Sparsholt Firs — a serene area of mixed woodland at the eastern edge of the Berkshire Downs, now in Oxfordshire. The tall trees and glades provide welcome shade after the exposed open downs. There are no facilities here, but this is a peaceful spot to rest before continuing or arranging onward transport.
See our Accommodation page for places to stay near this section, including options at Sparsholt village to the south.