The Ridgeway, Oxfordshire

So… I’ve decided to start a blog and write as often as I can. You might call it a New Year’s resolution… but I don’t do those… I DON’T… honestly!

Today is the last day of my Christmas break before back to work. So we decided to blow off the cobwebs with a walk up The Ridgeway, which is a 15 or so minute drive from home. We really should get up there more. It’s open spaces and views over the downs make you feel your miles away from anything, and there are many paths off the main ridgeway to explore.

I used the OS Maps app to look for a route mid length circular route and drove up to the ridgeway on the road from East Hendred.

It’s a long road with parking at the top right on the Ridgeway for around 10 cars. We set off on a circular route. The starting location is at OS Map reference: SU 45849 85039.

We initially diverted off the ridgeway to walk South. This was the best part of the walk as it took us off the beaten track and away from all the other bank holiday wanderers seeking the same as us. We headed down the hill and eventually got to a small segment of road before making our way back up the hill. Nothing too strenuous, thankfully.

We stopped for a bite to eat, standing, as there was no where to sit, and headed back up onto the ridgeway proper. We took the compulsory selfie as we strode along with views of the vale to the left, heading back to the car along the main ancient road.

It’s a a beautiful place, right near to home. We WILL make a resolution this year to visit more often.

What’s your favourite Ridgeway walk? Leave a comment below.

OS Map reference: SU 45849 85039