The Greater Ridgeway is a conceptual long-distance path in England, formed by linking several ancient trackways, primarily building upon the existing Ridgeway National Trail. While "The Ridgeway" itself is an officially designated National Trail stretching for 139 km (87 miles) from Overton Hill in Wiltshire to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire, the "Greater Ridgeway" extends this historical route significantly, following what are believed to be continuous prehistoric and Roman-era pathways across a wider swathe of Southern and Eastern England.
Components and Route
The exact definition of the Greater Ridgeway can vary slightly depending on the interpretation, but it generally comprises:
- The Ridgeway National Trail: The core segment, an ancient path running along the chalk escarpment of the North Wessex Downs and Chiltern Hills.
- The Icknield Way Path: Extending the route eastward from the end of the Ridgeway (or near it) across the Chilterns, Cambridgeshire, and Norfolk. The Icknield Way is itself an ancient route, running from near Avebury to Knettishall Heath.
- Peddars Way: Often incorporated as the final eastern section, extending from Knettishall Heath to the Norfolk coast at Holme-next-the-Sea. Peddars Way is a Roman road that largely follows an even older trackway.
- Western Extensions: Some interpretations extend the Greater Ridgeway westward beyond Overton Hill, linking it with other ancient paths towards the Dorset coast, such as the Wessex Ridgeway, or routes through Salisbury Plain and Cranborne Chase.
When linked, these routes can form a continuous pathway stretching for approximately 600-700 km (370-430 miles) or more, from the Dorset or Wiltshire coast in the southwest to the Norfolk coast in the northeast.
Historical Significance
The component paths of the Greater Ridgeway are among the oldest roads in Britain. They are believed to have originated as prehistoric trade routes, used by Neolithic, Bronze Age, and Iron Age peoples for movement of livestock, goods, and people. Their position on higher ground (ridgeways) provided drier, more open, and safer passage compared to the often wet and forested lowlands, and offered good visibility for defensive purposes. Many archaeological sites, including hill forts, barrows, and standing stones, are found along these routes, underscoring their ancient heritage. The Romans later adopted and sometimes paved sections of these existing pathways.
Modern Use
Today, the Greater Ridgeway is a popular concept among long-distance walkers, historians, and enthusiasts of ancient British routes. While not a single officially maintained path, it offers a challenging and historically rich experience, allowing hikers to traverse landscapes that have been pathways for millennia. Organizations like the Long Distance Walkers Association (LDWA) acknowledge and provide resources for walking variations of this extended route.