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The Ridgeway Start: West Overton - Grid Ref: SU 114644 The Ridgeway route follows the ancient trackways of the Wessex Ridgeway and the Icknield Way. The trail passes across the Wiltshire Downs, The North Wessex Downs and The Chilterns and provides beautiful landscapes. It is also very rewarding historically, passing several important Bronze and Iron age sites such as Avebury Circle, Barbury Castle and the long barrow, Wayland's Smithy. In Saxon times King Alfred lead his army along The Ridgeway to victory against the Danes at the Battle of Ashdown in 871AD. As it's name implies, the Ridgeway follows high ground, a ridge of chalk with poor soil, which made it much easier to travel in ancient times when lower plains and valleys were densely wooded and often flooded. Along the western section this height affords the walker splendid views, big skies and wide open countryside with few villages or major roads. Along the eastern part of the route the landscape of the Chiltern Hills provides a contrast in being more intimate, passing through pleasant villages peaceful woods and across farmland. |
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