Sparsholt

The Ridgeway itself is what makes Sparsholt special. This ancient trackway has been in use for thousands of years, stretching across the chalk downs from Wiltshire all the way towards East Anglia. You can walk sections of it directly from the village, and the views across the Berkshire Downs are genuinely impressive, especially on clear days when visibility extends for miles in every direction.

The village itself is small and quiet, which is very much the point. You won't find much in the way of shops or attractions here, but that's not why you come. Sparsholt exists to let you experience the landscape and feel what it's like to walk a route that's been travelled for millennia. The Ridgeway National Trail, established in 1972, now covers 87 miles from near Avebury in Wiltshire to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire. Whether you're tackling a full section or just spending a couple of hours walking, Sparsholt serves as a natural stopping point.

Wantage to the south and Shrivenham to the west are the nearest towns with proper facilities, both within easy driving distance. It's worth bringing supplies with you if you're planning to spend time walking here.