Ogbourne St George to Sparsholt Firs

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Section Overview

You’ll begin your walk in the picturesque village of Ogbourne St George, a charming Wiltshire settlement characterised by traditional stone cottages, hedgerows, and quiet country lanes. The Ridgeway trail officially starts near Elm Tree Cottage, just south of the village. From this point, the path gently ascends across rolling farmland, giving walkers expansive views over the surrounding countryside.

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Wayland’s Smithy

Approximately four miles into your walk, you’ll reach Wayland’s Smithy, a Neolithic long barrow and chambered tomb. This ancient site dates back more than 5,000 years and is steeped in folklore, with legends of Wayland the Smith, a mythical blacksmith. The long barrow is well-preserved, and its stone chambers provide a link to prehistoric Britain. Wayland’s Smithy is not only a highlight of the trail but also a perfect spot to take a break and maybe some photographs.

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Crossing into Oxfordshire

Continuing along the trail, you gradually leave Wiltshire behind and cross into Oxfordshire. Although there are no formal signs marking the county boundary, the change is noticeable in the subtly shifting landscape. The chalk downs become slightly broader, and the countryside opens up with wider vistas. This part of the walk is characterised by quiet paths lined with hedgerows, gentle rises and falls in the terrain, and occasional glimpses of distant villages and farmsteads.

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Helen Browning’s Flying Pig

Around eight miles into your journey, the trail passes Helen Browning’s Flying Pig, a popular farm stall offering fresh, locally sourced produce from Ridgeway Farm. The stall is open Wednesday to Sunday, typically from 10 am to 3 pm, and is well worth a stop for a snack or a drink. You can pick up seasonal fruit, pastries, cheeses, or a refreshing coffee while enjoying a brief break in the countryside.

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Sparsholt Firs

The final stretch of the walk leads you into Sparsholt Firs, a serene woodland area that provides a nice conclusion to this lengthy walk. The path meanders through tall trees and quiet glades. There are no facilities here, but the calm atmosphere and natural beauty make it an ideal place to rest, have a picnic, or simply reflect on the walk. Sparsholt Firs encapsulates the peaceful charm of the Ridgeway, leaving you with a lasting impression of the English countryside at its most idyllic.

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