The Icknield Way Path

The Icknield Way Path runs for 110 miles, from the end of the Ridgeway National Trail at Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire, to the start of the Peddar’s Way National Trail at Knettishall Heath near Thetford in Norfolk. In Hertfordshire, the route passes near Lilley, the Pegsdon Hills, Ickleford, Letchworth, Clothall, Wallington, Sandon, Therfield and Royston.

The Icknield Way is reputed to be “the oldest road in Britain”. Extending from the Dorset coast to Norfolk, the ancient route of the Icknield Way consists of prehistoric pathways, already old when the Romans came. Dotted with archaeological remains, it survives today as splendid tracks and green lanes along the chalk “spine” of England.

Today the route takes the walker over diverse landscapes, including the Chilterns and the Breckland, often with striking panoramic views. The Icknield Way Association which looks after the route, has aimed to find the most pleasant route for walking while keeping as close as possible to the general line of the ancient Icknield Way.

Over the last century, The Icknield Way has inspired a number of artists and writers. British modernist artist Spencer Gore painted the route in 1912 while staying in Letchworth. Poet Edward Thomas walked the route with his brother in 1911, often rising at 5 or 6 AM and walking 30 or 40 miles per day. Inspired by Thomas’ published account of his journey, contemporary author Robert Macfarlane begins his best-selling book ‘The Old Ways’ by describing his walk along the Icknield Way Path, ‘hoping to summon him (Thomas) by walking where he had walked”.

For further information and to purchase the official guidebook, see The Icknield Way Association website.