The Ridgeway
Explore the Ridgeway at your own pace on a self-guided walking holiday. Accommodation, luggage transfer and custom holiday pack included.
The Ridgeway
https://www.contours.co.uk/the-ridgeway
A walk along Britain's oldest road through the ancient landscapes of the Wessex Downs and the Chiltern Hills.
From £541 per person
An ancient track established by prehistoric man once stretched across the country from Dorset to Norfolk, and the Ridgeway follows it from East Kennet to Ivinghoe Beacon. The trail passes through two distinct landscapes on the way: the rolling North Wessex Downs, and a landscape of beech woodland and farmland dotted with historic towns in the Chiltern Hills.
The long and rich history of these areas is clear throughout, in extraordinary stone circles, ancient barrows, and the striking figure of the Uffington White Horse. The Ridgeway walk is a well-signposted and manageable route overall, and is well worth exploring.
The Ridgeway is part of the Great Chalk Way, a 400-mile-long trading route traversing the south east of England. Contours Holidays don't currently cover the complete trail, but our Peddars Way itineraries may also be of interest for anyone stitching together a Great Chalk Way hike.
We offer multiple holiday options along this trail. If you wish to experience the entire trail, simply select the first option from the list below.
Dogs are welcome on select routes along this trail. Look for the pawprint icon when choosing your holiday.
We also organise trail running holidays along this route. Find out more.
From £961 per person
Follow an ancient track established by prehistoric man on a walking holiday along the Ridgeway National Trail. This undulating route once stretched across the country from Dorset all the way to Norfolk, and the Ridgeway follows in those past footsteps from East Kennet to Ivinghoe Beacon. The Ridgeway is 93 miles long and passes through two distinct landscapes on the way: the rolling North Wessex Downs, and a landscape of beech woodland and farmland dotted with historic towns in the Chiltern Hills.
The rich history of these areas is clear throughout, represented by extraordinary stone circles, ancient barrows, and the striking figure of the Uffington White Horse. The Ridgeway is a well-signposted and manageable route.
| Code | Tour | Duration | Price per person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RIDG1 | From East Kennett(T) to Ivinghoe Beacon | 6 days walking | £961 | |
| RIDG2 | From East Kennett(T) to Ivinghoe Beacon | 7 days walking | £1092 | |
| RIDG3 | From East Kennett(T) to Ivinghoe Beacon | 8 days walking | £1229 | |
| RIDG4 | From East Kennett(T) to Ivinghoe Beacon | 11 days walking | £1628 |
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“The signage along the way was brilliant.”Mr Mackenzie, Scotland
“A very enjoyable walk, thank you. The arrangements made by Contours all went very well. It’s noteworthy that, as I’ve found previously, the folk you use do appreciate your paying for services up front, in contrast to most other walking companies and it enhances your reputation. Accommodation generally very good, some superb. Taxi transfers went well, particularly those carried out by Village Cars, led by Mark who was very flexible and obliging. A splendid walk across beautiful central English Counties, with lovely woods, especially with the autumn colours, lots of history around and great views. I’d recommend all buy the Harvey’s complete map of the whole route which is waterproof, lightweight and accurate. Contemplating the Thames Path next May.”Mr Bird, UK
“Had a lovely holiday - all the arrangements worked smoothly and we stayed in some lovely accommodation all week. Even the weather was kind to us! One of the best marked trails we've walked on.”Mrs Bathe, UK
“Enjoyed traversing the landscape day by day. The variety of accommodation was fun and all comfortable and welcoming.”Ms Germain, UK
“Absolutely fabulous - well organised and detailed information pack and itinerary”Miss Harding, UK
“As always, very well organised and planned. I enjoyed the wide open panoramas on the Western half.”Mr Wilkins, UK
“All the accommodation was very good and to a high standard. Thanks again.”Mrs Robinson, UK
“Great walk, wonderful scenery, history and interesting people met not to mention 100's of dogs patted! As usual with Contours the overnight accommodation was excellent. I am now wanting to continue along the greater Ridgeway to Norfolk!”Mrs Lovatt, Belgium
“The holiday was excellent, well organised and very helpful people at the places we stayed at.”Mr Wilson, UK
Dog friendly