This National Trail is described by the Countryside Agency as Britain's oldest road. One quarter of its length is footpath, but there are nearby routes that riders can use in these places. Over half the route is byway or RUPP, meaning that this is also a good route for horse drawn vehicles. 85 miles (137km) long, much of it following the ancient chalk ridge route used by prehistoric man, The Ridgeway offers the chance to get away from the bustle of life in this busy part of England. Perfect, but not too strenuous, for long distance use, this Trail is also ideal for day trips or less. At its eastern end, the Ridgeway joins Midshires Way and the Icknield Way. From 26 Sep 03, the Three Downs Link joins the Ridgeway to the South Downs Way.

You should be aware that The Ridgeway can become rutted and muddy, especially during wet winters, in places where the Trail is legally shared by walkers, cyclists, horseriders, recreational and agricultural vehicles.

The Ridgeway has a website at www.nationaltrail.co.uk/ridgeway which contains detailed maps of the route and provides links to sources of other information that will be of use to the equestrian traveller.

Explorer Map 181: Chiltern Hills North, Aylesbury

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Where to stay

People wishing to try out the riding away from home may wish to know where they can keep their horses overnight. A useful book entitled Bed and Breakfast for Horses which lists places to keep a horse overnight can be purchased from the British Horse Society. Entries include:

• Mrs Stella Cowan, Lockinge Kiln Farm, The Ridgeway, Chain Hill, Wantage, Oxfordshire OX12 8PA. Tel/Fax: 01235 763308 Email
• Glen and Fiona Symes, Hackpen Liveries, 2 Hackpen Farm, Cotts Wroughton, Swindon SN4 0XZ. Tel: 01793 845024
• Mrs Penny Reid, Down Barn Farm, Sparsholt Down, Wantage, Oxfordshire OX12 9XD Tel: 01367 820272 Email

• Dr C G Collier, Meadow Way House, South Row, Chilton, Oxon OX11 0RT Tel: 01235 861698 Email

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Further Information
There are community circuits linking from the Ridgeway. These will be added to the web site at a later date.
For further information, please look at the web site or contact:
National Trails Office
Countryside Service
Environment & Economy
Holton
Oxford OX33 1QQ.
Their telephone number is 01865 810224, and email address is Nationaltrails@oxfordshire.gov.uk

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Acknowledgements
This route is promoted by the Countryside Agency.

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© 2002-5 The British Horse Society. Updated: 23 Jul 05.
Reference: NR