Dating back some 3,000 years and visible for miles around, the famous White Horse at Uffington is the oldest of a collection of eleven equine figures carved on to the chalky surfaces of hillsides stretching from Yorkshire to England’s south coast.
 
This Oxfordshire walk along the ancient Ridgeway footpath takes in magnificent views of this iconic landmark along with a cluster of other ancient sites and monuments including Uffington Castle, Dragon Hill and the Long Barrow at Wayland’s Smithy, allowing you to get a real sense of the landscape’s long history.

Overview

The Ridgeway by Martin OFlaherty

This 3.5 mile circular route is a moderate walk which is easy to navigate and usually takes about two hours to complete. Much of it follows an obvious chalk lane and the remainder of the walk crosses fields which can be muddy after wet weather. There are no stiles and just a gradual climb to the highest point on White Horse Hill which provides fabulous views of the surrounding area.
 
You can also find the route on an OS Explorer Map 170.

The route

The Ridgeway by Dave_S.

Start at the National Trust pay and display car park (free for NT and EH members), only 8 minutes drive from The Old Chapel, our nearby Oxfordshire holiday cottage. It is signed off the B4507 Ashbury Road near the village of Woolstone.

Leave the car park and walk up the access lane you arrived on. Continue straight on at the first junction and at the second junction turn right. This is the Ridgeway, Britain’s oldest road dating back to at least 3000 BC – an ancient track compounded by countless bronze age hooves. Follow the Ridgeway to the Long Barrow at Wayland’s Smithy (1.2 miles).

Wayland’s Smithy (English Heritage)

Wayland’s Smithy by Dave_S.

Take some time to explore this impressive Neolithic chambered long barrow, dating from around 3500BC. Thought to have remained in use for burials for less than 100 years, more than a dozen people were buried here, although what caused their deaths is a mystery. Stand in the grove of heavy trees, peer into the opening amongst the stones and feel the weight of history. Noticeboards tell you more but your senses and imagination tell you the most.

Retrace your steps along the Ridgeway, continuing past the access lane to the car park and start the gradual climb up to Uffington Castle.

Uffington Castle (English Heritage)

Aerial view of Uffington Castle by Dave Price

As you come to the top of the ascent up the Ridgeway you will see a gate on your left and a trig point (large white pyramid shaped stone) also to your left. Go through the gate and explore the extensive Iron Age earthworks of Uffington Castle ahead of you.

The Manger, a dramatic dry valley by Heiko S.

Today, all that remain are two earth banks separated by a ditch which surrounds the hill fort. Marking the highest point in Oxfordshire, the climb to the top, albeit steep, offers spectacular views not just of the Bronze Age chalk horse figure itself but of the surrounding Vale of White Horse. The Manger, a dramatic dry valley formed during the last Ice Age, is to your left, while to the east lies Dragon Hill with its distinctive flat top, where St George is said to have slain his dragon. On a clear day, the summit provides views across six counties, including a glimpse of the Cotswolds to the northwest.

Dragon Hill with its distinctive flat top by Heiko S.

Continue your walk with the earthbanks on your left and then fork a little to the right to go down the slope away from the castle. You will come to a small signpost signing the White Horse path to your right leading to the viewing point for the Uffington White Horse.

Uffington White Horse

The Uffington White Horse by Glen Bowman

The stylised galloping outline of the Uffington White Horse is believed to have been created more than 3,000 years ago, making it the oldest such carving in Britain. Managed by the National Trust, the 110m long figure is formed of crushed chalk, compacted into deep trenches that have been scoured regularly.

Once you’ve finished enjoying the White Horse, return to the signpost and turn right to follow a wide grassy path downhill to a quiet lane. Cross the lane and continue on the grassy path back to the car park. If you’re lucky, there may be an ice cream van there, waiting for your business!

If you’re bursting with energy, you can add a loop from Wayland’s Smithy to the Ashdown Estate. Follow this link for a detailed description and map of this longer 7.7 mile trail.

Need a place to stay?

The Old Chapel backs onto a pathway and bridleways

For the opportunity to enjoy this Oxfordshire walk, and other lovely walks in the area, why not book The Old Chapel with Staycation Holidays? This dog-friendly cottage backs on to a public pathway and bridleways that link you to the picturesque village of Uffington and the Berkshire Downs. It’s the perfect base for a walking holiday in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds.