This South-west Oxfordshire walk runs on the Ridgeway between Swindon and Wantage. Looked after by the National Trust, the White Horse Hill provides an insight into Neolithic history as well as offering stunning views across six counties. This is a walk that will leave the 21st century behind for a few hours as you uncover the fascinating history of this ancient landscape.
Route Details…
- Challenging terrain
- 4 Hours
- 7.7 miles
- Dog Friendly
Start: White Horse Hill car park, grid ref: SU293866
- Leave the main car park by the gate nearest to the disabled bays and make your way across the field towards the White Horse. Head for the furthest gate on the left and, after crossing the road, follow the path up to the White Horse, which is signposted.
The White Horse and Uffington Castle: The oldest dated chalk figure in England is about 3,000 years old whilst the Castle is about 2,500 years old. During the 18th and 19th centuries the castle would have held a Pastime every seven years to clean the horse.
- Leave the horse by heading up the hill, passing Uffington Castle on your right, until you reach the Ridgeway. Turn right onto the Ridgeway and continue until you reach Waylands Smithy on your right.
Wayland's Smithy: This Neolithic burial long barrow is steeped in history and legend. It is said that a silver coin left in the stones will get your horse shod.
- Continue on from Wayland’s Smithy for 0.2 miles (250m) then, at the crossroads, take the path to the left, passing a barn. Carry on until you reach the tree line. Turn right and follow the path until the road. Cross the road and carry on until you reach the grassy avenue running through Ashdown Estate.
- Leave the footpath and walk along the large avenue towards Ashdown House. Feel free to detour and explore the woodland paths leading off the main avenue. When you near the House, head back onto the main avenue and follow the sign to the car park.
Ashdown House was built in the late 17th century by the 1st Earl of Craven who, it was said, was in love with Elizabeth, Queen of Bohemia. The house was built to offer Elizabeth a refuge from plague-ridden London, but unfortunately, she died of a disease in 1662 before ever setting eyes on Ashdown. The Earl of Craven lived into his late 80s and never married.
- Continue onwards, crossing the road and through the kissing gate. Climb up the hill keeping the fence line on your left until you reach a kissing gate in the corner. Go through the gate and continue on the footpath.
- Continue on the footpath going downhill to reach the byway at Compton Bottom.
- Turn left here and follow the path until the Ridgeway.
- Turn right and retrace your steps back to the car park. You can turn left at the first road junction to get back to the car park.
End: White Horse Hill car park, grid ref: SU293866
For more wonderful walks like this in Wantage, visit nationaltrust.org.uk
