2023 marks 50 years of The Ridgeway as a designated National Trail. To celebrate this people gathered, last Friday, January 6 at The Sanctuary, the beginning of The Ridgeway. Members of the group, all people who have worked together for many years to preserve The Ridgeway, stood in a circle to recreate the lost prehistoric stone circle of The Sanctuary.
Begun in about 2500 BC The Sanctuary is one of many places rich in history along the 87 miles of The Ridgeway National Trail stretching through the scenic countryside of the Chiltern Hills and North Wessex Downs. The Sanctuary stone circle was once connected by a stone avenue to the famous stone circle at Avebury but it was destroyed in the 17th century.
Whilst in the circle, the group shared ideas on how to welcome new visitors to The Ridgeway and how they will work together over the next 50 years to ensure the National Trail remains a special place to enjoy.
Mary-Ann Ochota, anniversary patron, archaeology writer and former Time Team presenter said,“The Ridgeway offers something for everyone to enjoy – from discovering more about legendary figures like Merlin and the landscapes that inspired JRR Tolkien, to rare wildlife, iconic landscapes and ancient history and archaeology. You can wander slowly along a section or race the whole route – it’s up to you! ”
Alongside events, new free materials have been produced for visitors to enjoy the Trail at their own convenience, including a new illustrated map and fun monthly challenges to spot different things along the Trail. To find out more click here.
Planning Committee vote unanimously to object to a ‘change of use’ application from Marlborough College
