The Ridgeway40 Walk

Can you rise to the 40 mile challenge?

This is the web site of the Ridgeway Walk, a 40 mile challenge walk along the ancient Ridgeway track between Overton Hill in Wiltshire and Streatley in Berkshire. The Ridgeway Walk is often referred to as the 'Ridgeway 40' although, between 1998 and 2008, this was the name of an associated running race.

Long Distance Challenge Walks

The Ridgeway 40 is one of many challenge walks of varying lengths held throughout the UK. These walks are, as far as possible, cross country, using public rights of way or across land which is open to the public. Walkers are expected to follow the route set by the organisers and will usually receive a certificate if they complete it within the time specified in the rules of the particular event.

Generally, long distance challenge walk organisers will provide the following:-

• Checkpoints to monitor the progress of walkers
• Sustenance at checkpoints, which could include water, squash and food
• Some medical back-up in the form of first aiders and ambulance(s)
• Transport back to base for walkers who have to retire from the walk
• Route map or written description to enable walkers to follow the designated route (the Ridgeway Walk map is downloadable from this web site).
• A certificate for all entrants who complete the walk in the specified time
• Commemorative badges are for sale (see the various types)

The Ridgeway Walk

Several of the older long distance challenge walks have their origins in the Youth Hostels Association (YHA). The Ridgeway Walk, which was first held in 1962, was organised by the Reading and District Local Group of the YHA and was a linear walk between Marlborough and the Streatley hostels.

The Marlborough hostel closed in 1966 since which the Ridgeway Walk is based solely on Streatley hostel. The walk however remains a linear walk, with coaches taking the majority of entrants to the start at Overton Hill, the finish being at Streatley.

Amongst the original reasons for holding the walk was to create interest in the two hostels involved and their surrounding countryside. The walk continues to fulfill the original objectives in respect of Streatley hostel and the Ridgeway.

The Ridgeway west of Streatley is an ancient ‘road’. How ancient is a matter of debate: one school of thought says it is 300,000 years old which would probably make it the oldest road in Europe; another view is that has been used as a road for 6000 years.

The Ridgeway wends its way over the highest ground in the chalk downlands of Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire. It passes by tumuli, which may be 3000 or more years old; forts (earthworks) such as Barbury Castle and Liddington dating from the Iron Age (500 B.C.) or even earlier; and, near the halfway point, the Neolithic tomb known as Wayland Smithy, named after a Saxon god but over 2000 years old when the Saxons first appeared in this land.

At the halfway point of the Ridgeway Walk is the Uffington Castle hill fort and the White Horse hill figure. The age of the White Horse is not known for certain but it could be 3000 years old. It is the oldest surviving horse figure as well as being the largest of all white horses. The White Horse cannot be seen from the Ridgeway itself but its design has been adapted as the symbol of the Ridgeway Walk.

Want to give it a go?

Want to try the Ridgeway Walk? This web site an online entry and secure payment facility via the secure SiEntries Website, access to which is available via the "book online" button at the bottom of the Entry Form. You can also book accommodation at Streatley hostel (if required). Postal versions of the entry form and hostel booking letter are also available for entrants who do not have an email address. The web site also has details of the walk and background information. If you want to find out about other challenge walks you should look at the web site of the Long Distance Walkers Association (www.ldwa.org.uk).