Distance: 15 miles (24 km)
Time: 6 – 7 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Terrain: Woodlands, chalk grassland, farm tracks, quiet country lanes
Start: Streatley-on-Thames, Berkshire
Finish: Watlington, Oxfordshire
Weather Forecast for this Section (Next 7 Days)
Section Overview
The next section of the Ridgeway sees the trail leave the wide, open downs and enter the rolling hills of the Chilterns. Starting from the Thames at Streatley, the route climbs into a landscape of beech woods, chalk grassland, and hidden valleys. Along the way, you’ll encounter ancient pathways, Iron Age earthworks, and panoramic viewpoints over the Oxfordshire countryside. Despite its length, the section feels varied and rewarding, with stretches of woodland alternating with open ridges and farmland. The walk ends near the historic market town of Watlington.
Starting from Streatley-on-Thames / Goring
The walk begins in Streatley / Goring, two picturesque villages on the banks of the Thames, linked by a bridge. This is a bustling riverside stop, with cafés, pubs, and shops to stock up before you set off. From here, the Ridgeway leaves the river and heads east, climbing steadily away from the valley.
Into the Chiltern Hills
The route soon enters the Chiltern Hills, where the wide-open downland of earlier stages gives way to a more enclosed, intimate landscape. Much of the walk from here alternates between shady beech woods and open grassy ridges that provide far-reaching views. The trail feels ancient, with sections worn deep into the chalk from centuries of use as drovers’ roads and trading routes.
Some Key Points of Interest
Grim’s Ditch: A well-preserved section of this Iron Age earthwork runs alongside the Ridgeway here. Its raised banks and ditches give a real sense of walking through a landscape shaped thousands of years ago.
Nuffield Place: A short detour brings you to this National Trust property, once the home of William Morris (Lord Nuffield), founder of Morris Motors. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of Britain’s great industrialists.
Approaching Watlington
As the path continues eastward, the landscape begins to open out again. The Ridgeway crosses rolling farmland and quiet country tracks before descending toward Watlington. This small but historic town is a natural stopping point, with its timber-framed buildings, traditional pubs, and shops. Above the town, the Watlington White Mark, a chalk triangle cut into the hillside in the 18th century, is a striking landmark and signals the end of this section.
Next Section
Watlington to Wendover (17 Miles)
The next section of the Ridgeway offers a classic Chilterns experience, combining long stretches through ancient beech woods, panoramic chalk ridges, and a series of Iron Age hillforts. From the historic market town of Watlington, the trail climbs steadily back onto the Chiltern Hills, weaving through a mixture of woodland and open farmland.
Previous Section
Sparsholt Firs to Streatley (17 Miles)
This stretch of the Ridgeway traverses the open ridges of the Berkshire Downs before descending into the Thames Valley. The route combines sweeping panoramic views, ancient earthworks, and remote farmland with the satisfying conclusion of reaching the bustling riverside village of Streatley-on-Thames, twinned with Goring across the bridge.