The Ridgeway the Other Way in six stages

The Ridgeway National Trail is normally walked from SW to NE but this Other Way version begins at the Ivinghoe Beacon lying to the south of Leighton Buzzard. It follows a ridge of chalk hills in a southwesterly direction for 87 miles (139 Km) to reach the World Heritage Site of Avebury. Popularly known as ‘Britain’s oldest road’, The Ridgeway still follows the same route over the high ground used since prehistoric times by travellers, herdsmen and soldiers.

Etappen der Tour

Diese Wandertour ist auf mehrere Tage ausgelegt, hier die Details für jede Etappe.

1. S

   Von Ivinghoe Beacon nach Wendover, The Ridgeway in die andere Richtung

   18,23 km 217 m 313 m

   Der Ridgeway in die andere Richtung. Der National Trail von Nordosten nach Südwesten. Diese Etappe 1 führt über die Chilterns, über den Grand Union Canal, vorbei an Tring, durch die Three Hundreds von Aylesbury bis zur Marktstadt Wendover.

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2. 2

   Wendover to Watlington, The Ridgeway the Other Way

   28,48 km 384 m 398 m

   The Ridgeway the other way. The National Trail from NE to SW. This Stage 2 is the most undulating with several climbs in and out of valleys and is, therefore, the most strenuous part of The Ridgeway. The route climbs Coombe Hill, passes by Pulpit Hill fort and over Lodge Hill. Goes around Bledlow Great Wood near Chinnor to go along a disused railway and go underneath the M40. It goes along the bottom edge of the Chilterns scarp and passes Watlington Hill.

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3. 3

   Watlington to Streatley, The Ridgeway the Other Way

   25,80 km 318 m 367 m

   The Ridgeway the other way. The National Trail from NE to SW. This Stage 3 has a bit of everything. The route runs long the Upper Icknield Way on the way to the small hamlet of Swyncombe. Then crosses the Chiltern Way on it's way to the village of Nuffield. The route then runs on a narrow secluded path alongside the ancient Grim’s Ditch before reaching the River Thames. On the opposite bank, another National Trail runs, The Thames Path

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4. 4

   Streatley to Wantage, The Ridgeway the Other Way

   26,52 km 249 m 217 m

   The Ridgeway the other way. The National Trail from North-East to South-West. The fourth stage is a broad track for a considerable distance, mostly with a natural surface and few hedges. Here the sky dominates but it can be particularly exposed in wet, cold or hot weather.

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5. 5

   Wantage to Ogbourne St George, The Ridgeway the Other Way

   35,86 km 388 m 324 m

   The Ridgeway the other way. The National Trail from NE to SW. The fifth Stage is probably the most remote section of The Ridgeway, with some wonderful views and prehistoric monuments to enjoy.

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6. Z

   Ogbourne St George to Avebury, The Ridgeway the Other Way

   21,93 km 261 m 256 m

   The Ridgeway the other way. The National Trail from NE to SW. The Stage 6 is a short walk as you will probably have to continue a bit further to get a place to stay and maybe head to Swindon or Trowbridge for onward travel. The countryside is a mixture of arable land, changing colour with the seasons, and areas of sheep or cattle grazed grassland. Some of the best views are from Smeathe’s Ridge as you climb gently up to Barbury Castle.

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