Virtual Ridgeway Challenge

Walk or ride one of Britain's most ancient tracks from your own roads and trails. The Ridgeway runs roughly 164 km (about 102 miles) from Overton Hill near Avebury in Wiltshire to Ivinghoe Beacon in the Chilterns, following a route used for thousands of years by drovers, soldiers and traders. Route Rally turns every synced walk, run or ride into progress along this storied high-ground path.

  • Route: The Ridgeway
  • Distance: 163.7 km
  • Elevation gain: 2421 m
  • Ancient high-ground route
  • Best for: Medium rallies of your own for walkers, runners and off-road cyclists, and seasonal goals

Planning your challenge

A cyclist averaging 150 km/week finishes in a week or so; a runner at 40 km/week takes about four weeks, and a walker at 30 km/week completes it in roughly five weeks.

Medium by Route Rally distance bands, achievable in a focused month and suitable for a first longer challenge.

Works well for those who want a route with genuine historical depth, and for walkers or cyclists looking for a focused seasonal goal.

Create your own rally for your own ancient-road target, solo or with a group sharing one leaderboard.

Why this route

  • The Ridgeway is thought to be one of Britain's oldest roads, used continuously for at least 5,000 years along the chalk ridge from Wiltshire to the Chilterns.
  • As a virtual challenge you cover about 164 km (102 miles) in your own time, with everyday walks, rides and runs all counting towards the finish.
  • The route suits walkers and off-road cyclists: the western half follows a wide chalk track open to bikes, while the eastern Chilterns section is primarily a walking and running trail.
  • Its medium length makes it a natural first longer challenge, finishing in weeks rather than months at a steady pace.
  • The historical setting gives it a character unlike any road route, even when you are covering the distance from your local pavements and parks.

Highlights

  • Start near Avebury and the Overton Hill stone circles on the Wiltshire chalk
  • Follow the ancient ridge-top track west to east across open downland
  • Pass Wayland's Smithy, White Horse Hill and the Uffington chalk figure
  • Finish at Ivinghoe Beacon, high above the Chiltern Hills

Common questions

How does my activity actually count?

Connect your activity tracker to Route Rally and every kilometre you log adds up automatically. Your marker moves along the route as new activities sync, with nothing to upload and nothing to enter by hand.

Do I have to live near the route?

Not at all. Walk, run or ride wherever you usually train. The route is a virtual target, so your local roads, trails and weekend rides all push you further along the ancient ridge.

Can I cycle the Ridgeway?

Yes, though with an important note: the western half from Avebury to Goring is open to cyclists on the real trail, while the eastern Chilterns section is walking and running only. Route Rally counts any discipline towards your virtual distance regardless.

How long does it take?

At a steady 150 km a week on the bike you finish in a week or so. Runners covering 40 km a week take about four weeks, and walkers at 30 km a week complete it in roughly five weeks. You set the end date when you create the rally.