The Ridgeway - Ogbourne St George to Avebury ~ Griffmonsters Great Walks

Monday 14 February 2022

The Ridgeway - Ogbourne St George to Avebury

Author: Griffmonster | Monday 14 February 2022 | No comments |

The Ridgeway - Ogbourne St George to Avebury

The seventh day walk of a multi day hike along the Ridgeway going East to West

The seventh day of a multi-day hike along The Ridgeway National Trail. The final stretch of the Ridgeway. Although it offically ends at Overton Hill, this specific walk ends at Avebury of the eve of Midsummer

NOTE

This is a walk summary intended to provide the user with just the essential information in order to navigate the walk route. Fully detailed information notes, refreshment stops and walk features are not included in this. A full write up will be included in the near future.

The Ridgeway - Ogbourne St George to Avebury - Essential Information

Walk Statistics (calculated from GPX):

Start location: Ogbourne St George
End location: Avebury
Distance: miles ( km)
Total Gain: ft ( metre)
Total Descent: ft ( metre)
Min Height: ft ( metre)
Max Height: ft ( metre)
Walk Time:
Walk Grade: Medium
Terrain: Footpath

Maps:

The following maps and services can assist in navigating this route. There are links to printed maps and links to downloadable GPX route data for importing into navigational software and apps.

Ordnance Survey Explorer Map: OS Explorer 157 - Marlborough & Savernake Forest
GPX Route File

Route Verification Details

Date of Walk: 20/06/2007
Walk Time: 09:00:00 to 15:00:00
Walkers: Griff, Steve M, Steve W, Martin
Weather Conditions: Overcast

Walk Notes

This multi day hike had been planned to end at Avebury for the summer solstice. This final section was therefore an easy walk down to the official end at Overton Hill. There is little there other than it being the site of an Iron Age wooden circle known as The Sanctuary. From this point it is an easy walk up to Avebury.

That last little walk to Avebury dealt us with a soaking from a shower but who could complain, we ended up in the Red Lion, drank a few pints in celebration and listened to the incessant drumming that was performed non stop by the hippies and druids who had gathered here for the solstice.

Once the pub had closed we joined the myriad of other folk within the grassed areas of the stone circle to away the dawning of mid summer day. It was warm enough to not need to pull out the tent or sleeping bag and therefore we caught a few hours dozing whilst awaiting the event. Although the official sunrise was not until close to 5am, nonetheless the sky is full of promise as the light tslowly exudes above the horizon with masses gathered to watch even from 3.30.

A the hour came near for the main event, the large audience watched in hope that the clear sky would be retained for the moment of glory. The minutes ticked away and as the actual sun was about to surface above the horizon this single cloud drifted over its place on stage. There was a lot of disappointment but I have to admit it tickled me.