Section Overview
This is the longest and arguably most dramatic section in the western half of the Ridgeway. The route traverses the open ridges of the Berkshire Downs, taking in sweeping panoramic views, ancient earthworks, and the most iconic landmark on the entire trail — the Uffington White Horse — before making a long descent to the Thames Valley and the twin villages of Streatley and Goring.
At 17 miles, this is a full day's walk requiring good fitness and navigation. The terrain is mostly open and well-waymarked, but the route is exposed and long stretches are without facilities. The reward is some of the most spectacular chalk downland scenery in England.
Leaving Sparsholt Firs
The section begins in the quiet woodland of Sparsholt Firs and quickly returns to the open downland that characterises the western Ridgeway. The early portion of the walk is relatively quiet and flat, skirting woodland edges and open farmland as the views gradually expand to both north and south.
The village of Childrey lies just off the trail to the north and provides the last real opportunity for facilities before the long haul to Streatley.
Uffington White Horse & Dragon Hill
The Uffington White Horse is the undisputed highlight of this section and one of the most remarkable prehistoric monuments in Britain. Carved into the chalk hillside more than 3,000 years ago during the late Bronze Age, the elegant abstract figure measures around 110 metres from nose to tail and is best appreciated from the air or from the valley below.
The adjacent flat-topped mound known as Dragon Hill, local tradition holds that St George slew the dragon here — the bare chalk patch at the summit being where the dragon's blood fell, preventing grass from growing. Just above the White Horse stands Uffington Castle, an Iron Age hillfort with impressive ramparts and commanding views in all directions.
Together, the White Horse, Dragon Hill, and Uffington Castle form a remarkable complex that draws visitors from around the world. The National Trust manages the site and access is free.
The Berkshire Downs
East of Uffington, the trail continues along the broad chalk ridge through some of the most remote and spacious landscape on the whole route. Open grassland, arable fields, and scattered copses stretch in every direction, with few roads and little sign of the modern world. This is the Ridgeway at its most ancient and elemental.
Scutchamer Knob, a Neolithic burial mound visible from the trail, is one of several prehistoric monuments passed on this stretch. The area was later used as a meeting place and gathering site throughout the Middle Ages.
Descending to Streatley
The long descent from the downs to the Thames Valley begins in earnest in the final miles of this section. The trail drops through farmland and lanes before arriving at the twin villages of Streatley and Goring, linked by a Victorian bridge across the Thames.
This is where the Ridgeway meets the Thames Path National Trail, making it a natural staging post for multi-trail adventures. Both villages offer excellent facilities including pubs, restaurants, cafés, B&Bs, and a railway station at Goring, making this an ideal place to break the trail for those doing it in stages.
See our Accommodation page for places to stay in and around Streatley.