Woolstone - Wayland's Smithy - Uffington Castle - Woolstone

Nicholas Rudd-Jones

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This short walk begins at the quaint White Horse pub in Woolstone. It climbs up to the ancient Ridgeway, passes by Wayland's Smithy, a Neolithic burial mound, then Uffington Castle, dating from the Bronze Age and finally The White Horse itself.

For thousands of years, at least 5,000 and maybe many more, people, be they drovers, traders or invaders, have walked or ridden The Ridgeway. As part of a prehistoric track, once stretching about 250 miles from the Dorset coast to The Wash on the Norfolk coast, it provided a route over the high ground for travellers that was less wooded and perilous (because of the wolves and wild animals that inhabited them) and drier than routes through the springline villages below.

The route is also the highest point in Oxfordshire and offers lovely views in every direction.

This walk features in the 'Pathways' book - for more information click on the link on the Walkingworld homepage.

England - Central England - Oxfordshire - Ridgeway

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Castle, Flowers, Good for Kids, Great Views, Hills or Fells, National Trust, Pub, Wildlife

9/3/2018 - Steve Rogers

The path through Hardwell Wood between waypoints 5 and 6 is partially blocked by small fallen trees. We had to either climb over or crawl under. There are also some nettles but not too bad. Wonderful countryside with great views.

7/17/2016 - Beryl Sarsfield

3. grid ref SU288875 third field (not second) should read extremely overgrown path hard to walk and major stinging nettle problem (cover feet, legs and arms). 6. grid ref SU286863 path totally invisible today S.Corn which is densely planted 50cm high (what happens when S/c I meter high), large area 2 field S/C and field of barley no sign of footpath compass needed. 11.grid ref SU300867 very overgrown track no sign of gate.

10/5/2012 - David and Chris Stewart

Thank you Laurence, we have corrected the instructions. Chris, Walkingworld Admin.

9/30/2012 - Laurence Turner

This is a very good walk with plenty of historical interest and glorious views. However, at Waymark 1, on leaving the White Horse car park, you turn RIGHT (not left as in the instructions).