Britain's oldest road spans 87 miles of history with stunning landscapes
The Ridgeway National Trail, known as Britain's most ancient road, is steeped in history with over 5,000 years' worth of travellers having traversed its length. Commencing at the World Heritage Site of Avebury in Wiltshire, the trail stretches for an impressive 87 miles until reaching the stunning outlook of Ivinghoe Beacon amidst the Chiltern Hills.
A walk along this historic way doesn't only transport you back in time but also entices with a tapestry of significant landmarks ranging from Neolithic barrows to the enchanting Uffington White Horse and varied landscapes such as Barbury and Wallingford Castles, including the quaint Pitstone Windmill.
The mysterious circle known as The Sanctuary, a site dating back to about 2500 BC initially comprising wooden posts and stones, has been marked out in modern times with concrete markers where these ancient structures would have stood.
National Trails underscored the path's historical importance, stating: "For, at least 5,000 years and maybe many more, people, including drovers, traders and invaders, have walked or ridden The Ridgeway."
Detailing further, they said: "As part of a prehistoric track, once stretching about 250 miles (400 Km) from the Dorset coast to the Wash on the Norfolk coast, it provided a route over the high ground for travellers which was less wooded and drier than routes through the springline villages below."
Today, the iconic route remains a beloved haunt for walkers, runners, cyclists, and equestrians alike, all lured by its rich tapestry of nature and deep-seated historical resonance, according to a report by the Express, reports the Mirror.
The Ridgeway National Trail stretches a remarkable 87 miles through the English landscape, steeped in heritage and spectacular natural beauty.
Traversing two unequalled Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the North Wessex Downs and The Chilterns, this six-part segmented track attracts with its dramatic views spanning from the west side of the River Thames to the captivating eastern reaches.
With majestic outlooks over open downland, secluded trails, and a plethora of ancient sites in the West, the trail provides an abundance of eye-catching prospects. Meanwhile, The Chilterns section tempts ramblers with its picturesque wooded valleys, thriving wildlife havens, and picture-postcard villages.
Sharing her journey on TripAdvisor, Louise Head commented: "The walk to see Wayland Smithy is so worth it. It is a beautiful place so atmospheric."
Another ardently recommended segment was White Horse Hill, with one walker asserting: "The walk up to White Horse hill is a lovely walk thoroughly recommend it."
A traveller from Aberdeen expressed awe over the trail's deep-rooted history, noting: "The Ridgeway follows an 87 mile long route used since prehistoric times by travellers and herdsmen."
To tread the same ground as those from aeons past left them enthralled: "It's amazing to think you're treading in the footsteps of our ancient ancestors."
Additionally, another outdoor enthusiast remarked: "The trail runs from Overton Hill to Ivinghoe Beacon, but of course you don't have to walk it all! We walked a section in the Chilterns, and midweek it was very quiet. It's a well signposted route offering lovely views over rolling countryside."
A TripAdvisor user from Exeter recounted their journey: "Myself and a friend rode the full length of the ridgeway, starting in West Kennet and picking up the Swan way and Icknield way riders route east of Streatley where the Ridgeway itself becomes a footpath."
They added: "We averaged 18 - 20 miles per day which was a nice easy pace allowing time for sightseeing."
The user concluded with their total distance and recommendation: "Our total mileage was 103. It is a lovely ride with stunning scenery and little roadwork.
"We found horse friendly BandB's along the route which meant we had to carry less gear. Highly recommend!"
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
'I quit work- because I can't find childcare for my disabled daughter'
Ana Chivu worked for a medical company but says she made the difficult decision to leave her job because she couldn't find a holiday club for her daughter Giulia during the summer holidays A mother forced to quit work because she cannot find any holiday clubs for her SEND daughter says the scarcity of places is worsened by her being between school and nursery. After weeks of research, a football group for one hour on a Monday was all Ana Chivu could find for her four-year-old daughter Giulia. The child with special educational needs and disabilities is non-verbal autistic, still in nappies and has no danger awareness. Ana, 30, told the Mirror: 'I love my job and it was family-friendly hours – I worked for a medical company Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm. 'I want to be working but resigned last month because I had to make the right decision for my daughter. 'I found some holiday clubs that sounded good but as soon as I mentioned she was in nappies and needed help with feeding they said they couldn't accommodate her.' Parents pay an average of £1,076 per child for summer holiday clubs, children's charity Coram revealed. And just 9% of councils in England have enough places for SEND kids. Being in the gap between nursery and school intensifies the difficulty in finding holiday clubs, as kids are often unable to access either sector. Ana said if the government wants to cut personal independence payments and get more people into work, it needs to improve special educational needs support Ana, who lives in Barnsley, South Yorks, with husband Radoslav, 35, a hygiene supervisor, added: 'I've read about respite breaks but because she is not in statutory school age, these do not apply to Giulia either.' Anna Bird, chief of disability charity Contact, added: 'Some families with disabled children dread the long summer break because they don't have access to childcare.' Labour's Peter Swallow, who was at a Parliamentary drop-in last week where more than 60 MPs met families of SEND children, said: 'I want to see better support for vulnerable children and their parents.' The Department of Education said: 'We recognise school holidays can be a pressurised time for parents, particularly for those with children who have SEND, which is why we are continuing to fund free holiday clubs through the Holiday Activities and Food programme. 'Councils must ensure sufficient, high-quality provision is available for children with SEND who are eligible in their areas.'
Daily Record
2 hours ago
- Daily Record
I tried posh £21 fish and chips that David Beckham ordered – 3 words sum it up
I was dispatched to see if a luxury order of fish and chips was worth the hefty price tag What's the most you'd be willing to fork out for fish and chips? For me, it's not about the money but the time spent journeying to the east coast where two chip shops serve up fare so delightful it's downright soul-stirring. In St Andrews, Tailend and Cromar are where you'll find succulent haddock in a batter that's been fried to a masterful standard I've not seen elsewhere - an astonishingly light, supremely crunchy coating with frilly, jagged edges that audibly snap into fragments. This culinary masterpiece is nestled atop a pile of chips that aren't too chunky, boasting a crispness, fluffiness, and creaminess that could sway even a staunch advocate of skinny fries like myself. These chippies set the bar by which I judge all other fish and chips. Having once been a local, I now stay in Glasgow, regrettably a 90-minute drive from chippy heaven. However, I've recently been given the mission to determine whether a posh serving of fish and chips justifies its price tag, reports the Express. Inspired by a review of £18 fish and chips, my quest led me to Crabshakk, the fashionable seafood eatery, which opened its doors in Finnieston well before it became the Glasgow's foodie epicentre. The restaurant has drawn in celebrities like David Beckham and Sam Heughan. Although the Outlander star kept mum about his meal, Becks excitedly shared his dining experience on Instagram, praising the scallops "cooked to perfection", rollmops reminiscent of his grandmother's, and, of course, the fish and chips. Their latest venture, Crabshakk Botanics off Byres Road, exudes sleek and chic with industrial black fittings, trailing greenery, timber-clad walls and floor-to-ceiling windows — an ambience my fellow diner described as "very New York". We agree it's the type of swishy restaurant to bring friends visiting from out of town. When I'm off on a weekday, as someone with inflexible working hours, I like to wonder what other people who are out and about do for a living. I don't have to think too hard – at noon on a Wednesday, the clientele at this upmarket seafood restaurant consists of three tables populated by well-groomed, silver-haired guests. Before a father and daughter arrive, we are the youngest diners by decades - a journalist enjoying a day off in lieu with a friend on the backshift. One look at the menu and you know it's for seafood lovers. Lobster, crab, scallops, langoustine, squid, Arbroath smokies — whatever you fancy, they've got it. Non-seafood mains are few, featuring one meat option (steak frites) and four vegan dishes. My companion opts for the complimentary fizzy water, whilst despite being off duty, my afternoon plans rule out alcohol. I spring for the Spicy Rita (£8), a coral mocktail blending citrus, sweetness and savoury elements that pleasantly evoked tomato flavours. Rather than the traditional salted rim, black Himalayan salt adorns one edge of the glass, not unlike a sandy bum on the beach. The service here is courteous and prompt. It's a quiet lunch service and our hefty plates of fried seafood and chips soon arrive. So, my verdict on £21 fish and chips — not worth it. Giving credit where it's due, it's a good meal overall and they certainly don't scrimp on portion size. The chips are creamy and delicious, but it's the fish that falls flat. While I wasn't anticipating it to be the best I've ever had, the fried coating is thicker, darker and oilier than it should be. A look at TripAdvisor reviews reveals I'm not alone in this observation. The creamy tartare sauce is good but one glaring omission are peas, mushy or otherwise. Meanwhile, my friend happily tucks into her breaded monkfish cheeks accompanied by skinny fries, salad and a tangy and moreish housemade ketchup (£27). To share, we can't pass on the tomato and watermelon salad with salsa verde (£9) garnished with what appear to be edible succulent leaves that provide pops of salty juiciness. The restaurant didn't invite me for a review nor were they aware I was conducting one. Having footed the bill, I winced at the cost but I'm not overly put out. I'm not against the idea of posh fish and chips. But I'd suggest holding off on the craving until you can make your way to the East Neuk of Fife.
Daily Record
4 hours ago
- Daily Record
Mum moved from US to UK but one British habit scares her every day
Jessica Wilkinson is still getting used to life in the UK two years after moving from the US. A mum who has moved with her family from the US to the UK admits there is one thing about living here that 'scares her daily' Jessica Wilkinson posts updates about her family and their travels on Instagram account @ourmicroadventures, which boasts 28,700 followers. In one recent reel, she spoke about their move to the UK and all the things they're 'still not used to'. The video starts with Jessica and her family in their new UK home, and an overlay text reads: "Things in our UK house we're still not used to two years later." The first thing she mentions is emptying the tumble dryer as she's seen pouring the water from the drawer down the sink, reports the Mirror. Jessica also is left baffled by the fact that there are no screens on windows. Many American homes have screens on their windows to keep insects out and allow for good ventilation by letting in fresh air. They are viewed as a standard feature, particularly in places where mosquitoes and other insects are rife. The mum is also still getting used to turning on the electrical outlets to use things like the kettle in her home. However, it is the last point which she admits "scares her daily" – getting the mail delivered through the front door. Most Americans receive their letters through a mailbox at the front of their house. Following up in the caption, the mum wrote: "The last one still scares me daily. "The adjustment with the move was much harder than expected. But two years later we've finally settled in and (probably thanks to double the sunny days this year) found there's so much to love about living here!" 15,000 likes.
