2016
SU4684 : Ridgeway and gallops on East Hendred Down
taken 8 years ago, near to East Ginge, Oxfordshire, England
Ridgeway and gallops on East Hendred Down
The Ridgeway climbs gently towards Cuckhamsley Hill. At the slight bend ahead, the Rights of Way from Chilton, East Hendred and West Ilsley join the Ridgeway. The grassy patch to the left of the track is part of the network of gallops
Link radiating from West Ilsley Stables.
The Ridgeway is part of an ancient trading route dating back 5000 years and linking Dorset with Norfolk. For much of its length it follows the clear escarpment of the Berkshire Downs. Being on chalky ground, the elevated route had the advantage of being dry, making progress relatively easy. It also offered those travelling along it good views of the surroundings, which could protect them from attack. The present well defined alignment of the Ridgeway was established after the Enclosure Acts of the 1750s, which encouraged the building of earth banks and hedges.
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