Comments on: A Walk Along The Ridgeway

By: Steve Hanscomb

Steve Hanscomb — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 09:19:37 +0000

A really lovely piece on a magical place. The ridgeway is somewhere you can really feel a strong connection with the distant past and connection with the land. It never fails to make me feel somehow grounded and belonging.
The walk to Wayland’s Smithy is a must if you visit the White horse. About a mile along the ridgeway, this Neolithic burial chamber is named after Wayland the Saxon Smith god. It has an atmosthere all of its’ own, surrounded by a ring of whispering beech trees. The legend goes that the place is the smith of Wayland. If you leave your horse there overnight with a silver coin for payment, Wayland will shoe it for you with wonderful shoes!
Uffington Hill fort, above the horse, is the place the Vikings camped before the decisive battle of Ashdown, where King Alfred defeated them and stopped a complete conquest of Britain. Just down the road at Kingston Lisle is King Alfred’s Blowing Stone. This large sarsen stone is holed like a huge piece of cheese. It is said that Alfred blew into the stone, producing a note so loud it called his men to arms to defeat the Vikings. You can try this for yourself to this day, a feat I was unable to reproduce unfortunately!
Next to the White Horse is a smaller hill, white capped where the chalk shows through the turf. This is Dragon hill, where it is said St George slew the dragon. The dragon’s blood poisoned the ground forever and no grass has grown on the spot since.
A magical place!

By: David Morgan

David Morgan — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 19:33:27 +0000

In 1979 , some friends and I stayed at the Webber family`s Bennett`s Wood Farm, Streatley and the Ridgeway was very close. We walked it a little way although our reason for being there was the International Air Tattoo at Greenham Common. Noise – noise – noise – but The Ridgeway so peaceful and a ” world away “.
I wonder if any of the Webbers ( son maybe ) still farm there.
Lovely photos and memories flooding back – thank you GA

By: gkbowood

gkbowood — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 15:55:56 +0000

This was a very enjoyable read and you are so lucky to be able to access this glorious walk in all seasons. Thank you for this vicarious get-away.

By: Marcia Howard

Marcia Howard — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 13:22:52 +0000

I’ve loved reading this post which brought back wonderful memories. My married home was in Berkshire for 34 years, and once my sons were getting older, I became a Friend of the Ridgeway. I joined other ‘Friends’ most Sundays to walk parts of the Ridgeway, but as many of us lived a drive away, each walk tended to be a circular one. I recall my very first walk took in the Sarcen stones on Fyfield Down, as well as the stones at Avebury. Every stretch was a joy, as well as an antidote to a stressful career. I got to know every ancient stone, windmill, monument, chalk down, cornfield, far reaching view, and even the security cameras where the Ridgeway crosses the driveway of Chequers! Thank you so much Gentle Author for reminding me of those halcyon days. And the memory of James Webb. You have put a smile upon my face.

By: Helen Breen

Helen Breen — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 11:42:34 +0000

Greetings from Boston,

GA, what a delightful trek you describe. I loved Avebury. To me it was more interesting than Stonehenge, certainly prettier.

By: Achim

Achim — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 07:25:04 +0000

This is my England as I have come to love it and will love it forever!

Love & Peace
ACHIM

By: Sarah Johnson

Sarah Johnson — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 05:51:35 +0000

What a secret … I have never heard of this treasure before.
P.S. Don’t tell anyone else! They will want to tarmac it, and put up sign posts and rest stops every 5 miles, and toilets, etc.