The Ridgeway landscape

Photo by Ottr Dan on Unsplash

The Ridgeway

~7 days · 86.9 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance86.9 mi
Days out7
Elevation gain6,132 ft
Gain / mile71 ft
High point902 ft
Difficulty index22/100

What the The Ridgeway is known for

The Ridgeway follows the ancient chalk ridge from Overton Hill to Ivinghoe Beacon. This whole-trail itinerary uses OpenStreetMap relation 8879 (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL); the official route and length are published by National Trails.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the The Ridgeway on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 463 ft to 2,864 ft over 86.9 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 30.7 mi · 35%
  • Downhill 29.0 mi · 33%
  • Flat 27.3 mi · 31%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

How hard is the The Ridgeway?

22 / 100

On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the The Ridgeway scores 22/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the The Ridgeway take?

Most backpackers hike the The Ridgeway in about 7 days (6 nights out) over its 86.9 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the The Ridgeway?

The The Ridgeway climbs roughly 6,132 ft total — about 71 ft per mile, topping out near 902 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

Plan the The Ridgeway Plan Free →