Can you rise to the 40 mile challenge?
The 2022 results / times are now available
on the results page
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 start point was
subsequently changed in 2019 to Avebury Sports and Social Club
because better amenities were available. 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
About This Event
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
- Fist Aid kit is available at the check points
- 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 Streatly
Youth Hostel.
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 Entry Form
page. You can also book accommodation at Streatley hostel (if
required). 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).
Our next event date is still to be confirmed
Photos of our 2022 event
Photo provided by Finbarr Morley
Phil
Heneghan presenting a picnic hamper to Wendy Bagshaw for her long
service as a marshal on the Ridgeway 40 walk
Cutting 60th anniversary cake. Janette Armstrong wateched by Wendy
Bagshaw at CP4