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 £515 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 £915 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 | £915 | |
| RIDG2 | From East Kennett(T) to Ivinghoe Beacon | 7 days walking | £1040 | |
| RIDG3 | From East Kennett(T) to Ivinghoe Beacon | 8 days walking | £1170 | |
| RIDG4 | From East Kennett(T) to Ivinghoe Beacon | 11 days walking | £1550 |
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“We had a marvelous week walk on the Ridgeway. Beautiful views, beautiful little villages, friendly people, splendid walking weather.”Mr Schoutteeten, Belgium
“A very quiet walk with wonderful and varied views. We met lots of very friendly people.”Mr Evans, UK
“The signage along the way was brilliant.”Mr Mackenzie, Scotland
“We achieved what we wanted to in walking the Ridgeway and thought the accommodation and organisation very good. The quality of food was excellent, which is important to hungry walkers.”Mr Goddard, UK
“As always, very well organised and planned. I enjoyed the wide open panoramas on the Western half.”Mr Wilkins, UK
“By the way, all taxis worked well and all baggage transfers were perfect.”Mr Hancocks, UK
“The Ridgeway is a beautiful and for us, relatively easy walk. All the instructions provided were helpful and the luggage service worked very well. As usual we met a range of interesting people and had a good range of the British weather!”Mr Cribb, UK
“It was a joy to be out in the fresh air and apart from the occasional cyclist, to be alone on the trail. The route was well signposted throughout and we rarely had to resort to the text of the guide book to find the way. We discovered parts of the country we had not really visited or explored at all and the whole walk was varied, not too strenuous and peaceful. Service was excellent as usual.”Mr Gill, UK
“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
Dog friendly