The Ridgeway: Scutchamer Knob to Goring

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Walk directions

The Ridgeway sets off eastwards alongside racehorse training gallops. Just to the north of this section of the trail, at the base of the scarp, runs Grim’s Ditch, one of three linear earthworks with this name which are passed during the course of the trail. This particular Grim’s Ditch stretches off and on for 8 miles (13km) but does not appear ever to have been continuous. Those sections where the ground was either too steep or wooded were left. Its date is uncertain but it has been suggested that it may represent the boundary between two Iron Age estates.

To the east lies the town of Didcot, with its station and railway centre.

Before long, the route meets a minor road on Bury Down, where there is car parking, and then presses on towards the roar of traffic on the A34.

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Location
Additional information
  Terrain  - Wide stony or grassy tracks, some road at end
  Landscape  - Hills, farmland, wide plains, woods
  Dog friendliness  - On lead when encountering livestock or on roads
  Parking  - Car park (free) at start
  Toilets en route  - In Goring
About the walk
For much of its route, The Ridgeway National Trail follows part of an ancient track, the Great Ridgeway, which once ran from Dorset to Norfolk and which has been dubbed ‘the oldest road’ in Britain. The route of the trail initially follows the northern edge of the North Wessex Downs and finishes on...
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The Ridgeway: Scutchamer Knob to Goring

Recommended by
Location
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain - Wide stony or grassy tracks, some road at end
  Landscape - Hills, farmland, wide plains, woods
  Dog friendliness - On lead when encountering livestock or on roads
  Parking - Car park (free) at start
  Toilets en route - In Goring
About the walk
For much of its route, The Ridgeway National Trail follows part of an ancient track, the Great Ridgeway, which once ran from Dorset to Norfolk and which has been dubbed ‘the oldest road’ in Britain. The route of the trail initially follows the northern edge of the North Wessex Downs and finishes on...
Read more
Been on this walk placeholder

Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Walking in Safety placeholder

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Get an AA guide placeholder

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

About the area
Area image
not available. .