About The Ridgeway40 Walk

About the Walk and General Information

2012 is the 50th anniversary of the first Ridgeway Walk, which took place on the 27th October 1962. Members of the Long Distance Walkers Association may have seen Alan Smith’s article in the December issue of ‘Strider’ about the day of the first Ridgeway Walk. This article will form part of the history of the walk which Alan hopes to prepare to accompany the report of the 2012 walk. All participants in the 2012 walk will receive a special free cloth badge, the design of which will recall the age in which the Ridgeway Walk started. This event also marks the last being organised by the current organisers.

THE ROUTE: 40 miles across the chalk downs between Overton Hill (Grid Ref (GR): SU119681) on the A4 approximately four and a half miles west of Marlborough (Wilts) and Streatley Youth Hostel (YH) (Berks) (GR: SU592806). Apart from a slight variation between Barbury Castle and Whitefield Hill, the route follows the ancient track known as the Ridgeway and way-marked as the Ridgeway. Ordnance Survey maps 173 and 174 (1:50,000 series) cover the walk.

THE OBJECT: is to complete the 40 mile route on foot in one go. The walk is not a race although entrants in the walk can run if they wish.

AT THE FINISH: check in at the annex on the right at the top of the approach to the YH. If you go into the YH itself, please remember to remove your outdoor footwear.

CHECKPOINT INFORMATION AND MAPS: Checkpoint information, the route map and Streatley street map can all be downloaded from our MAP page. Harvey’s Ridgeway National Trail map, which is waterproof, also covers the route in strip map form.

EVERY ENTRANT Every entrant should carry a plastic mug, drinking water bottle or similar.

YOU ARE ADVISED TO TAKE WITH YOU: some food and drink, maps, torch, compass, first aid kit, a high factor sun tan cream, appropriate footwear and protective clothing (NB the Ridgeway is very exposed and it can get very cold if it rains and / or is windy so please ensure that you have suitable attire). Also ensure that you carry with you suitable coinage for a payphone, unless you have a mobile phone with credit and a charged battery.

FACILITIES AND REFRESHMENTS: There are public toilets at CP1 (Check Point 1): from hence there are no toilets, shops or places to eat on the route. However, it is planned to have mobile toilets at two or more locations. There are water points at 17 miles (Idstone Barn, GR 264835, about a mile beyond Ridgeway Farm) and a few hundred yards before CP5 (23 miles). Although you are advised to carry food and drink with you, the entry fee includes light refreshments at most CPs; tea may be provided at one CP and water and squash at all other CPs except the start. Tea and cake will be available at the finish.

INJURY OR LOSS: participation is entirely at the entrant's risk

CERTIFICATES, RESULTS, BADGES AND AWARDS: Individual certificates will be awarded to all those who complete the walk. Team certificates will be awarded to teams with 3 or more finishers. Each starter will receive a report of the results. Badges will be on sale for £2 each at the finish and there are various other badges and awards for walkers who have successfully completed more than one Ridgeway Walk.

TRANSPORT: A coach will leave Streatley YH for the start at 06.45. The cost of a seat is listed on the Entry Form. If you need a seat, please book by the deadline shown on the entry form (deadline will be strictly adhered to). Early application is advisable as a sudden rush of bookings near the deadline may mean that we cannot hire coaches with enough capacity to provide seats for all who want them. Anyone failing to secure a seat will have to make their own way to the start.

PARKING: None at the Streatley YH but there are public car parks within a mile of the YH and in nearby streets. A map of the area showing the location of parking will be sent to you with the acknowledgement of your entry. See our MAP page for more information. Please do not park in any pub car park unless you have the landlord's permission. Wherever you park, please observe the Highway Code and do not park in front of driveways or opposite other parked vehicles.

ACCOMMODATION: Ridgeway walkers, whether or not they are members of the YHA, can stay overnight at Streatley YH. See accommodation for further details of youth hostel details and charges. Early booking is advisable as the hostel has only 48 beds, some of which have to be reserved for marshals

POST WALK MEAL: A meal can be provided by the Streatley YH and is a good way to sit, unwind, relax and discuss your adventure with friends and family. Complete the Streatley YHA Accommodation Packed Lunches / Evening Meal request form if you wish to have food provided.

Some participants from our 2010 event

2010-davey enjoying himself It’s wet, windy and cold but, like many other participants, Dave Young’s spirits are not dampened! (photo: Carl Roe)

2010 group phone All smiles from a group of participants at the start of the walk at Overton Hill.

2010_quiet_break Bit of meditation during a break at cp4.

2010_ouch Ouch.. and only 20 miles to go!