Tag: The ridgeway

Avebury and the Ridgeway with Sam

Leave a comment

📍 Avebury + Ridgeway + West Kennet Long Barrow (12.6 km)



Some  hikes aren’t just about the distance or the views—they’re about the people you share them with. Last wednesday’s midweek wander through the Avebury countryside was exactly that: a day of sunshine, open skies, and soul-restoring friendship.

I took a day’s leave to walk with my best friend Sam, and it turned out to be one of those perfect spring days where everything feels a little bit lighter.

It started with Sam having given me a bag of snacks – homemade trail mix with similar contents we had on the Clarendon Way! My favourite!!

The Ridgeway gave us big skies and long views, Silbury hill sanding still in the landscap,, West Kennet Long Barrow quiet and ancient in the sunshine, and the company—well, that was the best bit of all.

Sam and I met through work at Cranfield University ten years ago this month, and somehow that early connection grew into something much deeper. She’s seen me through a lot over the years, and time with her, especially walking with her always brings comfort, laughter, and the kind of honest conversations and laughter that only happen with someone who really gets you.

We even had a moment of classic  hilarity—spotting a wooden post and thinking it was a deer(To be fair, from a distance I thought it was a pheasant…)! But straight after we did see deer!

These are the good days: fresh air, shared stories, and the kind of company that reminds you you’re never walking alone.

We had refreshments at the National Trust café in Avebury and started thinking about our next hike together !

Grateful for every step.

And just like that, after a few days of daily posts, I’ve caught up on my 2025 hike reports.

We’re planning two group hikes in April  open to my friends, and I have a busy month of fitness challenges in May which I’ll post about too.

From Dragon’s Back to Dragon Hill: A Chilly but Beautiful Ramble

Leave a comment

📍 Ashbury to Uffington White Horse, Oxfordshire

Fresh from the wild ridges of the Dragon’s Back the day before,  I headed out again —this time to Dragon Hill and the iconic Uffington White Horse. Definitely a winter walk, the sun didn’t make an appearance at all and the wind was biting at times,  but the company and views more than made up for it.

We went around Wayland’s Smithy too on the way back.

This was a special one: Thoko asked me to take her on a hike, as she’s not used to hikes, and she absolutely smashed it.

That climb wasn’t easy—especially with the wind — but she powered through. It was a real joy to walk and chat together.

We were treated to the sight of majestic red kites soaring above Dragon Hill, adding a touch of magic to an already beautiful route.

A quieter, gentler pace than yesterday’s mountain adventure, but no less rewarding.

It’s such a gift to share these landscapes—and to see someone discover their own strength along the way.

Rambling On Together: Liddington Hillfort

Leave a comment

Our first Rambling On Together group hike of 2025 took us from the Richard Jefferies Museum to the Ridgeway, Liddington Hillfort and back—a lovely 17 km loop with pretty views, and great company.

I was joined by Johnny and Gary and, miraculously, avoided the rain! We had grey skies in this first day of February but it remained dry. It was chilly at the summit of Liddington Castle (275 m), but the views more than made up for it. We tucked into lunch and hot drinks up top, with homemade flapjacks keeping us going.

Along the way we spotted red kites, and even caught sight of a deer (you might just make it out in one of the photos). The Curly-Wurly Bridge also featured of course, and there was no shortage of good chat.

This was the first of the hikes I’m sharing with friends to join as a group.

I planned the route, shared a kit list and organised timings and I’m happy how it worked out. I’d also brought homemade flapjacks for the group.

Here’s to many more miles ahead.

I am posting this eight weeks later and we’ve hiked again since. I’ll share in the next post.

2024 Hike Highlights: Quick Recap

Leave a comment


Before jumping into 2025 adventures (which have started), here’s a summary of some unforgettable hikes from last year, which I didn’t get a chance to post about but I’m going to do a bit of a photo dump to record them!

Photo dump incoming…

1 June 2024:

Lovely hike up Win Green in Wiltshire on my way to Sarah’s house before the Clarendon Walk.

There are extensive views, with Bournemouth, the Isle of Wight, Salisbury, Glastonbury Tor, the Mendips, the Quantocks and Milk Hill all visible in clear conditions. It is classed as a Marilyn, and is a landmark due to the clump of trees on the high point.



2 June 2024: Clarendon Walk
– 26 miles of walking with Sam and Sarah to support Naomi House Children’s Hospice. A physically challenging but heartwarming day for an amazing cause. 

It was really 27 miles & we walked an extra mile from and to the carpark – 29 miles



15 June 2024: Edale Skyline Challenge
– Peak District magic with Andrea.

One of the hardest and most rewarding hikes I’ve ever done. The views and terrain were breathtaking and the weather kept changing – I’m definitely coming back for more adventures here! 

We saw a rainbow right by us on the last mile.



30 June 2024: Sugar Loaf


A quick and scenic 2.5-hour hike with Fran. Stunning wildlife and surroundings made this a perfect day. A manageable climb that would also be fantastic for trail running. 

26-27 July 2024: Mynydd Du Fforest Grwyne Fawr Reservoir Walk

Amazing weekend, walk to the reservoir with Dan, wild camp under clear skies, great food, laughter, all the weather on day two, forest walk and stop in a pub garden on the way back. Very cool.

18 August 2024: Cleeve Hill with Sam

Cleeve Hill (330 m)
Lovely 5 mile stroll with my bestie Sam. Lovely day out and such great views.

5 October 2024: Pen-y-fan with running club friends

Afternoon the Y Promenâd parkrun, five of us had a challenging, windy , but (mostly) sunny climb up 🏔️Corn Du and 🏔️Pen Y Fan.
3h (ish) – 520m elevation…
Brilliant little trip!



1 November 2024: Savernake Forest


A vibrant autumn hike with Andrea, Joanna, and Claudia. The colours, crisp air, and great company made it awesome. 



30 November 2024: Ashbury to Ashdown House (via the Ridgeway)


A wonderful day with Danny, combining great chats and Ridgeway’s rolling landscapes. 



30 December 2024: Wilton Windmill Loop


My daughters joined me for a 10km adventure! It was such a fun loop – a perfect way to end the year. 

Now I can focus on 2025 hikes while these memories stay documented!

What were your favourite hiking moments of 2024?

Let me know! 🥾✨

Barbury Castle – A Walk to Remember

Leave a comment
It took us 3h10 in total

Yesterday’s ramble took me on an 8.5-mile journey, guided by the memory of Judith. Alongside Richard (my friend, Judith’s husband) and a group of Judith’s friends, we strolled off from Barbury Castle and the Ridgeway, while looking at nature’s wonders.

I had run a 5K parkrun in the morning and done leg day at the gym the night before, so this was perfect to stretch my legs. A day later, it’s all a bit tense so I’m off to yoga class today 🙂

I really enjoyed the walk.

Shortly after leaving the Ridgeway path, I heard a murmurration of starlings behind the hill, then some red kites soared above the path, a bit further.

Despite the biting cold, our brisk pace kept us warm, a fitting tribute to Judith, who sadly left us three years ago in December 2020. Judith had shared countless adventures with children on Duke of Edinburgh programs and her friends yesterday told me many lovely stories of her time with them.

The camaraderie with Judith’s friends added more warmth to the chilly walk. However, our hike wasn’t without its challenges. Crossing paths with a hunting group required a bit of patience (and a lot of my tolerance as I’m not very understanding of hunting generally), as they fired across the public road at pheasants. Further along, Finn, the energetic black Labrador who walked along with us, found himself in a field with horses, but together, we navigated the situation with teamwork.

Approaching Rockley, an unusual sight awaited – a field retaining water from recent rains, a rare occurrence in these clay fields.

The last few miles we walked through sunset around 16:30 and then it became much darker. With my ’emergency’ small torch in hand, I navigated the path, and as the temperature dropped, we reached the car park.

The celebration began with mince pies, blueberry muffins, and Christmas biscuits treats from East Germany that Alan brought. The festive spirit thrived, accompanied by (now daily cold) hot chocolate from my flask, while others enjoyed mulled wine (I don’t drink alcohol at the moment). The night views of Swindon were lovely, a fitting conclusion to a great walk.



As I reflect on this day, I am grateful for the invitation from Richard. Judith’s memory lives on through each step, and I look forward to honoring her with many more hikes. She remains a source of inspiration, alongside the wonderful Jen who’s also one of my hiking inspiration, shaping my journey one hike at a time.

I’ll write a bit more about my plans for this year’s walk in another post.

The next big hike will be in March, fundraising for the Prospect Hospice in Judith’s honour. You can read more here and donate if you can. https://www.justgiving.com/page/aurelie-icelandtrek2024

Until next time, happy rambling 💚

A Journey Along the Wildlife Walk in Celebration of Richard Jefferies

Leave a comment
Route on Strava

The Richard Jefferies Museum by Coate Water in Swindon has initiated the Wildlife Walk in celebration of Jefferies’s life. This walk spans a whopping 175 miles, connecting various places that were significant in Jefferies’s life.

The Richard Jefferies museum
Start

Three weeks ago, I took on the challenge of walking the length of the ridgeway, a grueling 99 miles over 6 days, which coincides with some of the Wildlife walk. It was a test of endurance and determination, but I’m proud and glad to have accomplished it.
Today, I connected that path, by walking from the Richard Jefferies Museum to the Ridgeway. Despite it being one of the hottest days of the year, and having already run a Parkrun earlier this morning, the main challenge was indeed the heat. You can check out the stats of my walk on Strava.

Coate Water Nature Reserve

My friend Craig, who’s well-versed with the route, was my guide for the day.

A significant portion of our walk coincided with the National Cycle Route 45, leading us to the Three Trees Farm Shop. There, we took a much-needed break (mostly looking at all the goodies in the shop) and refreshed ourselves with cold drinks.

The curly-wurly bridge over the M4

Our journey was mostly smooth, except for a stretch of long grass that we inadvertently ventured into. But that’s the beauty of such walks, isn’t it? The unexpected turns and the surprises they bring! And the rash on my legs has almost gone by now 😀

We were also treated to sightings of squirrels, red kites, rabbits, and deer along the way.

Craig, ever the enthusiast, suggested we circle around Liddington Castle, which I was relunctant to because my legs were getting tired and it was so watm, but I’m actually glad we did (I just moaned a lot). The views from the trig point, overlooking Swindon, were absolutely breathtaking.

Never not funny…

Our return journey, though still under the scorching sun, felt a tad easier. Most of it was downhill, and we eventually made our way back to Coate. To mark the end of our 11-mile walk in the heat, we decided to treat ourselves to a drink at the Sun Inn.

Now, here’s where I urge all of you to get involved. The Wildlife Walk is not just a physical journey; it’s an experience, a tribute to Richard Jefferies. I encourage everyone to explore the route, walk as much (or as little) as you can, and share your experiences with the museum. And if you’re around on the 6th of November, do join in the celebrations of Richard Jefferies’s birthday and life.

The Richard Jefferies Museum is a treasure trove of events and exhibitions. If you can, drop by for the “Music and Cream Tea” afternoons held on Sundays( you might see me there volunteering). In fact, there’s one tomorrow, and given the sunny forecast, I hope to see many of you there!

Another recommendation from me is to buy and read this wonderful book Wildlife, to learn more about Richard Jeffries.

Lastly, if you’re in a position to, consider donating to support the museum. Every bit helps in preserving the legacy of Richard Jefferies.

As for me, I aim to walk the entirety of the 175 miles, though I will not be able to complete it by the 6th of November. My next segment? Joining the Ridgeway to Tolworth, Surbiton. Life is proving busy and a bit difficult at the moment, so I’m not sure yet when this will be, but I’ll keep you updated in this blog.

Until next time, happy walking!

Day 6 on the Ridgeway: From Wendover to Ivinghoe Beacon – The Final Stretch

Leave a comment

I set out from Wendover at 08:15, excited for the final stretch of my journey on the Ridgeway. I was headed to Ivinghoe Beacon, and I kept ahead of schedule for the whole way.

Breakfast at the Red Lion. They ran out of red berries 🤣
Ready to smash those miles
Can’t wait to stop carrying that smelly pack backpack!

As I left Wendover, I reflected on the chat with the locals last night and how lovely the place is. I think I could live there. It’s really nice.



The walk past Wendover started with a nice stroll through the woods. Along the way, I met Nadinja from the Netherlands, just before Tring Park. We had a great time chatting and laughing together. Tring Park was lovely, though we never figured out who “Walter” was.



Tring station had no toilet or water, but the kind lady at the station gave us both a drink.

If you’re not aware, in the UK, there’s a plan to get rid of Ticket offices. Without this lady’s help today, a ticket machine wouldn’t have been able to help us with water!

Please sign the petition 🙏https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/636542

We met Craig just after Tring station. And the three of us walked along.

After a quick nature break in the woods (sorry, TMI), I picked up the pace a bit. I slowed down when the hills multiplied, but I knew that would be the case.

As we made our way towards the Beacon, the views were amazing. We seems to follow a semi-circle around the Windmill below us.

Nadinja was fun to walk with. We even managed to get some inside jokes and a good few giggles train and plane, and fences spotting, and playing “Hiya” (if you know, you know). So much fun!

I completed the 11.7 miles (18.85 km) of the final day at 13:20, feeling very happy with my achievement.

We walked back to the car park, where Craig treated us all to a massive ice cream. We then headed to Tring station to get Nadinja to her train, and Craig drove me home.

I want to thank all the people who walked with me: Craig, Richard, Suzie, Nadinja, Kyle and all the people who have encouraged me along the way. I am not certain I have completed it without you all.

This journey on the Ridgeway was not just a personal physical and mental achievement but also part of my training for the Iceland Trek in March, in support of Prospect Hospice.

I would be incredibly grateful if you could donate to this cause and help support the incredible work of Prospect Hospice. Please visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/aurelie-icelandtrek2024 to make a donation.

So here this adventure ends. I have plenty of ideas for further walks and long hikes, and I’ll post about it soon, but for now, it’s goodbye from me. 👋

Ridgeway Diaries: Day 5 – Watlington to Wendover

Leave a comment

I woke up feeling tired today, having been disturbed by the sounds of snoring from neighbouring tents throughout the night. The bed wasn’t the comfiest, but the warm shower was bliss. I had a flapjack and banana for breakfast. Despite my fatigue, I was looking forward to the day ahead, especially as Richard would be joining me from Lewknor.



I left the campsite by 07:20 and walked to the Ridgeway, just a 5-minute walk away. I met Richard in Lewknor at 08:30, and we continued on the trail together.

I broke accidentally my zip on the side pocket of my bag. Inconvenient but it could have been worse.

We passed the turn-off for Kingston Blount at 09:30 and the turn-off for Chinnor at 10:15. Richard left me at about 10:30 by a gate in a field after the woods.

I reached Longwood Farm at 11:45. I arrived at Princes Risborough and the turn for the A4010 road around 12:10. I stopped at The Bell for refreshments around 12:45, but they weren’t serving lunch. I had a juice and salted peanuts, then left at 13:15. I popped into the Co-op for a sandwich and walked back to the Ridgeway by 13:45.

I took a wrong turn at Whiteleaf and got caught up in the woods. I reached Cadsden and The Plough at 14:40 and Chequers at 16:00. There, I had a chat with Kyle, a backpacker from Florida (living in Pennsylvania), who was doing the same route as me. I reached the monument and trig point at the corner of Coombe Hill at 16:45.

I arrived at The Red Lion in Wendover at 17:30, feeling very sore. My room was great, and I had a roast dinner and a pint of Neck Oil. I chatted with locals Pauline, Paul, and Bob. My feet are aching, and I’m worried they won’t be better tomorrow. I hope a night’s sleep helps.

Day 4 on the Ridgeway: overcoming small challenges and finding support

Leave a comment

Today I walked about 18 miles (not flat though!)



I left the Bull in Streatley at about 08:15 and headed down the hill in Goring for breakfast at Pierreponts, which serves lovely food. I also asked them to make me a sandwich to take away, so lunch was sorted. I was in good spirits.

Richard joined me at the café, and we had a chat before heading out on the trail. We started by the bridge in Goring at 09:25. I was disappointed that we were away from the Thames for most of this part, with houses blocking the view of the riverside. The terrain was flat.



We reached the Perch and Pike pub at about 10:30, which looked nice but was shut at the moment, in between owners. In North Stoke at 12:00, we took a wrong turn at the church but quickly got back on track. I turned off the Thames side to the Ridgeway track at 12:30. At that point Richard went across the river, joining the Thames Path back to Streatley.



There were a lot of bikes, wind, flies, and “countryside ” smells on that stretch, so I didn’t stop for lunch as early as I’d wanted after the turnoff. I stopped for lunch way after the trig point, near Grimm’s Ditch, and started again at 13:30.
I really struggled physically from that point, especially around 14:00. I felt faint and weak, and I’m still unsure why. I was also sweating a lot from that point. The weather was heavy and muggy all afternoon, which didn’t help.

Does that mean I have to climb up that tree?

In Nuffield I tried to use the water by the church but it had green bits in which means my water bottle which I was topping up, wasn’t drinkable anymore.

Shortly after Ewelme Park at 15:40, just before St Botolph’s, I was joined by my biggest supporter this week, Craig, who had parked in Watlington and walked the last miles with me. He also brought me water, which I was running out of. We walked up what felt like a never-ending hill before finally dropping down a hill where I stopped, sat on a log, and had some salted cashew nuts and more water.



We reached White Mark Farm at 17:30. I was very pleased with the distance (18 miles), but my feet were sore, especially the ball of my left foot. We walked to the pub, where I had a nice pint of Village Idiot and a meal with Craig. We then popped into the Co-op for supplies for tomorrow, and Craig dropped me back at the campsite.


I can’t find anyone at reception, so I’ve settled in the tent anyway, but it means I can’t find out how to charge my devices.
My phone is well charged, but my battery pack is on 11% and my watch on about 20%. It’s not enough to last me tomorrow. I still need to double-check my route for tomorrow (probably again 18 miles), and I’m not sure how I’ll cope on that distance alone, but I’ll do my best.

Over and out.

Day 3 on the Ridgeway: Rain & Resilience

Leave a comment

Today was Day 3 of my Ridgeway adventure, and it was a challenging one due to the weather. The rain was already pouring down before I even set off.

I walked about 14 miles (22.79 km)



My day began with a delightful breakfast courtesy of Louise at Quince Cottage. She also prepared a packed lunch for me and kindly gave me a lift to the spot on the Ridgeway where I’d stopped the previous day.


I hadn’t been walking for five minutes when I stopped to chat with farmers sorting straw bales (that’s what my dad does for work). I continued on my way, familiar with this part of the Ridgeway, which was fortunate as the heavy rain had soaked everything, making it difficult to consult maps.

The rain didn’t let up until around 12 pm, and there weren’t many opportunities for sightseeing or photography with the constant downpour. Despite the rain, I made steady progress.

By noon, I stopped just after crossing the A34 under a tunnel, ate some of my packed lunch, changed my socks, and carried on. My shoes and socks were absolutely drenched!

The day improved significantly when the sun finally came out, making the walk much more pleasant. I did get small blisters on the balls of my feet, which tends to happen with these hiking shoes. I chose to wear them anyway, knowing the weather would be bad today.

I arrived in Streatley much earlier than expected and checked into my room at the pub. My room was still being cleaned, so I enjoyed a pint and some salted peanuts while I waited. Three locals struck up a conversation with me. In the few minutes I was there, they’d been discussing my age and country of origin! It’s always nice to chat with locals, though.

They even arranged a lift for me to the pharmacy for blister plasters, and one of them is coming back later for a drink while I have dinner.

I also met the two lovely ladies who I’ve seen every day at breakfast or dinner. They’re planning to join me for dinner at the pub tonight.

Incredibly, my hotel room has a bath again tonight, so I’m soaking my sore feet before dinner.

I’m a bit worried about the pain of the balls of my feet but I have the night to recover. But first I’m off to grab dinner.

The very good news is that I had no anxiety attacks today. So I think my mental health is improving.
Tomorrow, I’ll be walking to Watlington which should be under 16 miles.