Ridgeway East - 6 Days
This itinerary has a short first day and a long last day for reasons set out below.
For those who can reach Goring station in the morning (Goring is a ten minute train ride from Reading station and therefore accessible to most people in the south-east of England) we can meet you there, take your bags, and you can enjoy a leisurely stroll up The Ridgeway to Wallingford. This will save a night’s accommodation.
6 walking days
6 or 7 nights accommodation
Walking distance 52.0 miles
Average daily distance 8.8 miles
Longest day 11.6 miles
Total ascent 4,600 feet
Most ascent in one day 1,200 feet
The path is well-signposted but can be hilly, particularly towards the end.
Although shown below as west to east, it can be reversed and walked east to west.
Itinerary
Day 0 Arrive at Goring
Goring station is conveniently reached from Oxford, Didcot Parkway or Reading. For those who can reach Goring by lunchtime, you might want to get walking straightaway in which case jump to Day 1. Otherwise arrive at your leisure and take a short walk down the river Thames.
You will stay at the Miller of Mansfield, once frequented by George Michael. He lived just across the road at Mill Cottage. Alternatively opt for an upgrade and cross the river to the Swan at Streatley.
Day 1 Goring to Wallingford 7.1 miles (100 feet of ascent)
The Journey Arrive by train at Goring station where we will meet you and take your bags to Wallingford.
For the next six miles you’ll be following a river. In fact, you may even wonder why it’s called The Ridgeway. But the route it follows, which is on the opposite side from the Thames Path, is delightful and far superior than its illustrious neighbour. You will look down on Cleeve Lock where Pete Townshend wrote much of Quadrophenia whilst renting the lock-keeper’s cottage. You will pass the pretty villages of South and North Stoke and follow the river as far as Mongewell, once home to Carmel College, a Jewish boarding school. You can walk past the decaying buildings and visit the derelict church of St John the Baptist overlooking the river.
The Destination Just past Mongewell, The Ridgeway turns sharply east and away from the river. You, however, will follow the river for a further mile to the historic town of Wallingford, its castle once the site of many a battle during the English Civil War. The ruins of the castle are free to visit. You can learn more at the museum where you can find out about the town’s connection with Agatha Christie.
The George is in the heart of the town surrounded by antique shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. There’s even a town hall that shows movies occasionally. Oh, and don’t forget to visit the museum and castle!
Day 2 Wallingford to Watlington 11.6 miles (1,200 feet of ascent)
The Journey: Back on The Ridgeway the Path heads east away from the Thames along a fascinating track known as Grim’s Ditch – probably an ancient border separating tribes. Next the trail takes on some variety, passing through bluebell-filled woods, fields ripe with seeds, and even a golf course (keep alert!). There are some interesting buildings to see: Nuffield Place, which is at a distance, was home to Sir William Morris, as in the motor car. Ewelme Park, Swyncombe House and the lovely St Botolph’s Church are all seen from the Trail.
The Destination The Path is following a track running about 100 feet and just under a mile above the “spring line”, where the nearby towns and villages can be found. The first of these is Watlington, accessed via a country lane perfectly safe to walk on.
Here you will find the only hostelry offering rooms: the Fat Fox. This reopened in 2024 following a long closure and has become popular with Ridgeway walkers. The rooms are housed in a converted barn at the back of the car park and away from the bustle of the pub.
Day 3 Watlington to Saunderton 10.9 miles (700 feet of ascent)
The Journey: The Trail starts by continuing up the straight and level track at the foot of the Chilterns passing Chinnor to your left. If lucky you might catch a glimpse of the steam train that runs to and from Princes Risborough.
It then takes quite a southerly loop around Wain Hill and over Lodge Hill and over the railway line close by Saunderton Tunnel.
The Destination: You won’t find accommodation much closer to the Trail than The Ridgeway Lodge. This bed and breakfast lies directly on the trail! There’s no restaurants within walking distance but there are plenty of food delivery companies that will come out from nearby Princes Risborough.
Day 4 Saunderton to Wendover 7.6 miles (1000 feet of ascent)
The Journey: Having skirted round the edge of Princes Risborough, next up is Whiteleaf Cross, home to another chalk carving. Down the other side you will pass the now abandoned Plough, the previous stopping route on this itinerary.
You must tackle another hill. This time it’s Pulpit Hill, home to Grangelands Nature Reserve. Look out for orchids and butterflies.
You exit Pulpit Wood through the grounds of Chequers, the country seat of the Prime Minister. Make sure you heed the warnings and stay on the Path!
Past Chequers is another series of wooded hills which will take you to the Crimean War Monument before descending to Wendover, an attractive market town with plenty of shops and restaurants.
The Destination: Wendover is an attractive market town with plenty of shops and restaurants. You will be staying at Bel & the Dragon, a Fuller’s brand that you may be familiar with if you’ve walked the Thames Path (Cookham and Windsor). For once you don’t need to divert from the Trail which passes the front door of the 17th century coaching inn. Food is served all day.
Day 5 Wendover to Wigginton 6.7 miles (700 feet)
The Journey: Beyond Wendover, the path passes through woods and fields until you enter Tring Park and the glorious King Charles Ride.
The Destination: Wigginton is a hill-top village, a rare phenomona on The Ridgeway. The Greyhound pub sits in the heart of the village where you can get dinner. Breakfast can be obtained at the community cafe next door.
Day 6 Wigginton to Ivinghoe Beacon 8.9 miles (700 feet of ascent)
The Journey: After a sharp descent from Wigginton through fields you cross the A40 via a footbridge and then the Grand Union Canal and arrive at Tring Station (some distance from Tring!).
The Ridgeway recaptures the high ground towards the end of the walk climbing through Aldbury Nowers, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, emerging from the woodlands to open ground leading to the terminus of Ivinghoe Beacon.
The Destination: As Ivinghoe Beacon is some distance from any accommodation, you will need to partly retrace your steps to cover the 3.5 miles to the Greyhound at Aldbury, a charming village inn.
We say “partly” because only a mile is on The Ridgeway, the rest being on public footpaths through woods. We’ll provide you with directions.
The inn lies in the heart of the village which is set in a conservation area. It’s a popular film location and was featured in Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason.
Tring Station is just under a mile away. There’s a footpath running alongside the road so it’s quite safe to walk. But, with luggage, you might want to book a taxi.
Prices
Prices inclusive of bed and breakfast plus baggage transfer between hotels. A map and guide book is also included. You will have unlimited access to our local team in the event of difficulties.
Price per person: Shared occupancy £910; Single occupancy £1,380
Price per person assuming no accommodation at start (6 nights plus 1 meet and greet): Shared occupancy £810; Single occupancy £1,240
Upgrade Options
Instead of staying at the Greyhound Wigginton, why not stay at Pendley Manor Hotel and treat yourself to a spa. After all, the finish is in sight!
Additional cost: £40 per person sharing; £60 single occupancy.