The Ridgeway at Barbury Castle – Car Park with Toilets loop from Hackpen White Horse

Hiking trails & Routes

The Ridgeway at Barbury Castle – Car Park with Toilets loop from Hackpen White Horse

Moderate

4.8

(4)

hikers

The Ridgeway at Barbury Castle – Car Park with Toilets loop from Hackpen White Horse

02:25

8.96km

120m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: July 19, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

North Wessex Downs National Landscape

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

26 m

The Ridgeway at Barbury Castle

Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint

Often referred to as Britain's oldest road, the Ridgeway is an ancient route that has been used since prehistory. It stretches from Avebury to Ivinghoe Beacon while this section stretches from Overton Down to Barbury Castle, an Iron Age hillfort.

Sweeping grassland, open views and a sense of walking in ancient footsteps, this is a majestic trail.

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2.63 km

Barbury Castle Iron Age Hill Fort

Highlight (Segment) • Historical Site

Barbury Castle is a well-preserved Iron Age hill fort. The site was first occupied around 2,500 years ago and has been used by the Romans, the Saxons, and even played a role in the Second World War. From the fort, you are afforded wonderful views over the landscape. In clear conditions, you can see the Cotswolds and the River Severn.

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3.74 km

Car Park with Toilets

Highlight • Parking

Car park gates locked at 7pm but parking is free

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4.59 km

The Ridgeway in North Wessex Downs

Highlight • Trail

This is a particularly scenic stretch along the Ridgeway, an ancient road which runs through right through the North Wessex Downs Area of Natural Beauty.

The Ridgeway is often deemed Britain's oldest road, having been used by travellers, herdsmen and soldiers to travel cross-country since prehistoric times.

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