Bishopstone - Ashbury - Ashdown Park - Ridgeway

Beginning from the picture postcard village of Bishopstone with its narrow streets and thatched cottages, the walk heads east across open fields into Oxfordshire and the village of Idstone. From here, the walk continues east to the outskirts of Ashbury where we head north and our first climb to the famous Ridgeway National Trail.

Ignoring the Ridgeway for now, the walk heads south through large arable fields from where the downs can be viewed. We skirt Hailey Wood where Ashdown Park and the country house can be glimpsed in the distance.

The next stage is a climb of Kingstone Down but your reward is a great view of the valley below. After heading through a wood at the top of the hill, the walker can take in further great views of the downs in the direction of Lambourn.

From here, the route returns to Kingsdown Down where the aforementioned stately home comes gradually into view. A steep descent follows through open fields before arriving at the road. There is an option of turning right here to visit National Trust run Ashdown House.

The walk then heads through Ashdown Park with a variety of farm buildings and cottages before heading in the general direction of the Ridgeway via Swinley Down. Upon reaching the Ridgeway, the walk heads gradually downhill before turning off in the direction of Bishopstone. There then follows a fascinating valley stretch before returning to the village.

Here the walker is taken back through the village with the option of visiting a pub and a farm store before heading through the cemetery back to the church car park and the start of the walk.

England - South England - Wiltshire - Ridgeway

Walk id: 5768

Walk grade

Moderate Walk

Length

9.1 Miles

Height gain

100 Metres

Duration

3 Hours 50 Mins

Average rating

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