Ridgeway (road)

The Ridgeway is a historic trackway in England, often described as Britain's oldest road. It follows a chalk ridge for 87 miles (140 km) from Overton Hill, near Avebury, Wiltshire, to Ivinghoe Beacon, Buckinghamshire.

The Ridgeway is a National Trail, meaning it is protected and maintained as a public right of way for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders (though restrictions apply in certain sections). Its usage dates back to prehistoric times, likely from around 3000 BC. The high ground offered travelers advantages such as a dry route, good views, and relative safety from attack.

Over the millennia, the Ridgeway has been used for trade, movement of livestock, and military purposes. Numerous archaeological sites are located along its course, including burial mounds (barrows), hillforts like Uffington Castle, and the Uffington White Horse, a prominent chalk figure carved into the hillside.

The modern Ridgeway path diverts from the original route in some places to avoid roads or accommodate land ownership. Nevertheless, it retains a significant portion of its ancient character and passes through varied landscapes, including open downland, woodland, and farmland. The Ridgeway remains a popular route for recreational activities, providing access to the history and natural beauty of the English countryside.