Reviewed by: Pistol Pete , from Hertford

Summary:
We did the full ridgeway (Avebury to Ivinghoe) in a Weekend staying in a B and B in Goring overnight. It was mostly dry (but done in Summer) and we followed the bridleway route shown on the Harveys 'The Ridgeway' map. We rode up to the top of Ivinhoe on the footpath (so fine me National Bloody Trust) and reached the top just as the sun was setting.. A glorious end to two hard, but great days.

Recommended Route:
As detailed in the Guide

Reviewed by: Neal Griffiths , from Cardiff

Summary:
White Horse Hill and other monuments make it a scenic route but watch out for morons in 4WD vehicles. Always refuse to help them when they get stuck. If there is a petition to rid the Ridgway of these idiots let me know. Also slow down for the many horses that use it. Can get really muddy. Best avoided after long periods of wet weather as certain sections become sluggish. Otherwise a good route for all cyclists and mountainbikers.

Recommended Route:
I know the Lambourn area well where there are many bridle paths and tracks that lead from the village to the Ridgeway. Stick to the West end of the Ridgeway as others here have suggested.

Reviewed by: Jez Weston , from Reading/Cambridge/Japan

Summary:
The Ridgeway's been there for about 5000 years, does that make it a classic? Its certainly one of the better long distance routes in the southern UK. The western section rolls along the top of the hills at the northern edge of the Berkshire Downs, with huge views out to the north. The riding is wide chalk roads and grassy gallops. Nothing too technical but long, empty and scenic. It can get very cut up if its wet, courtesy of 4WDs, and if its wet then the chalk is icy. When its dry it can be pretty rough but a decent bouncy bike makes it much comfier. There's fast descents off to the north pretty much all along, lots of villages with cosy pubs near the track and railway stations near either end. The eastern section, east of Streatley, is very different - wooded, muddy, steep and intricate. Lots of it is footpaths and it can be crowded at weekends. Ten years ago it was fun, but not these days. Still, there's plenty more riding hidden away in the Chilterns and there's the Checkendon and Box Hill race courses not more than 5 miles away from the route. The western part is ideal for getting some miles in or for a gentle investigation of pubs and ancient monuments.

Recommended Route:
Avebury to Streatley

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Lots of bridleways in the triangle between Reading, Henley-on-Thames and Crowmarsh Gifford.

Reviewed by: Mark Stenning , from Reading

Summary:
Parts of the route are carved up by 4WD idiots, but a lot of the route is excellent. Some good short sharp uphills and lots of space and scenery.

Recommended Route:
Ride between Swindon (Fox Hill) and Goring

Reviewed by: Ed , from Marlow

Summary:
One more time: Ridgeway between Goring and Watlington is Not very good. Many sections are footpath only. Some sections are closed due to the trail condition. Other sections that are not right of ways are not used very much and have nettle infested overgrown(not fun to ride 2 miles of stinging nettles). Other trail options such as the Swan trail are not much better. I think it is better to just ride the road till just south of Watlington where the RW meets swan trail. Anyone in the Bucks area interested in 25- 50 miles rides in the area?