Greater Ridgeway facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Greater Ridgeway |
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The Ridgeway in Grim's Ditch near Mongewell lies on the trail
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| Length | 362 mi (583 km) |
| Location | England |
| Designation | UK National Trail |
| Trailheads | Lyme Regis Hunstanton |
| Use | Hiking |
The Greater Ridgeway, also known as the Greater Icknield Way, is a super long walking path in England. It stretches for 362 miles (583 kilometres)! This amazing trail goes all the way from Lyme Regis in Dorset to Hunstanton in Norfolk. It's not just one path; it's a clever combination of four other famous long-distance footpaths. These are the Wessex Ridgeway, The Ridgeway National Trail, the Icknield Way, and the Peddars Way National Trail.
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What is the Greater Ridgeway?
Imagine a super-long path that connects different parts of England. That's the Greater Ridgeway! It's designed for people who love to walk and explore. A "long-distance footpath" is simply a trail that takes many days or even weeks to complete. People often walk sections of it at a time.
This trail is special because it brings together four important historical routes. By joining them, it creates one continuous journey across the country. It lets you see many different landscapes and historical sites along the way.
A Path Through History
The Greater Ridgeway follows some of the oldest roads in Britain. Parts of it have been used for thousands of years! People in ancient times, like the Stone Age and Bronze Age, walked these very paths. They used them for travel, trade, and even moving their animals.
Later, the Romans also used parts of these routes. They built their own roads, but often followed the lines of these older trackways. So, when you walk the Greater Ridgeway, you are literally walking in the footsteps of history! You might see ancient burial mounds or old earthworks along the path.
The Four Trails Combined
The Greater Ridgeway is like a puzzle made of four big pieces. Each piece is a long walking trail on its own. When you put them together, they form the complete Greater Ridgeway. Let's look at each part:
The Wessex Ridgeway
This part of the trail is about 136 miles long. It starts in Lyme Regis in Dorset and goes through beautiful countryside. You'll see rolling hills and charming villages. This section connects to the famous The Ridgeway path.
The Ridgeway National Trail
This is one of England's official "National Trails." It's about 87 miles long and is very well-known. It follows an ancient trackway that runs along the top of a chalk ridge. This ridge offers amazing views! It's often called "Britain's oldest road."
The Icknield Way
The Icknield Way is another very old path. It stretches for about 110 miles. This trail follows the line of chalk hills across several counties. It was used by people for thousands of years, long before cars or trains existed.
The Peddars Way National Trail
The Peddars Way is the final part of the Greater Ridgeway. It's about 46 miles long and is also a National Trail. This path follows an old Roman road. It goes through flat, open countryside in Norfolk, leading all the way to the coast at Hunstanton.
What You Might See
Walking the Greater Ridgeway is an adventure! You'll pass through many different types of landscapes. You might see:
- Rolling hills and valleys: Especially in the southern parts.
- Ancient woodlands: Home to many birds and animals.
- Open farmland: Where crops grow and sheep graze.
- Chalk downs: High, grassy hills with wide views.
- Coastal paths: As you get closer to Hunstanton.
You could also spot various wildlife, like deer, foxes, and many kinds of birds. Keep an eye out for historical sites too, such as old forts, burial mounds, and even parts of Roman roads.
Hiking the Trail
The Greater Ridgeway is mainly used by hikers and walkers. Some parts might also be open to cyclists or horse riders. It's a great way to get exercise and enjoy nature. Because it's so long, most people choose to walk just a section of it at a time.
If you plan to hike, it's important to be prepared. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and check the weather. Always tell someone where you are going. The trail is generally well-marked, making it easier to follow. It's a wonderful way to explore England's history and beautiful countryside!
