The author 2020
‘Tales of The Ridgeway’ is just that, a collection of stories, folklore and my own personal observations made over 45 years exploring the archaeology and history of this ancient route-way. The ridgeway in question is the section that follows the chalk escarpment from the Thames at Streatley, through Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire to the great Neolithic metropolis that is Avebury. It forms a forty mile downland stretch of the much longer Icknield Way providing excellent walking, and scope for exploration of varied habitats and places of interest. In these pages you will find odd snippets of information concerning the archaeological sites, but much more, human endeavour, enterprise and just a little fun! My background in archaeology and heritage conservation, coupled with my local knowledge, will hopefully lend a deeper appreciation of the area to anyone following in my footsteps. However, this is not a guide book, but a celebration of that which is good, interesting and a little quirky to be found on some of the best turf in the world, under lofty skies. This is a landscape that grows on you. Enjoy!
