Southern England in the footsteps of a king — hiking the Orange Way

The route begins at Brixham’s harbour-front statue of William of Orange and the podium marks his landing on the 5th November 1688 to begin his journey to usurp King James II. This little fishing town is remarkably picturesque and the route heads briefly along a coastal road to provide lovely views over… read more

Starting in Berry Pomeroy, this hike takes you through pretty countryside along peaceful lanes and old woodlands. Shortly after leaving the village, you’ll come across Berry Pomeroy Castle. Said to be one of the most haunted places in Devon, there’s certainly something eerie about the grand ruins.



The… read more

Stage 3 leaves Chudleigh along a quiet lane into the glory of Haldon Forest Park. Managed by the Forestry Commission, you’re likely to see plenty of mountain bikes nipping across roads into the darkness of the conifer plantations. Deer are common here too and the birdlife usually fills the air with song… read more

The first two-thirds of this hike follows the River Exe as it flows through the heart of the city and out through Riverside Valley Park. The trail hugs the eastern bank and you’ll walk along a mixture of roads and footpaths, heading through tall reeds for a spell before reaching Topsham. This gorgeous… read more

This hike is almost entirely rural, crossing a large section of East Devon. This part of England’s third-largest county is all rolling hills, beautiful valleys and old villages. The trail leaves Woodbury and heads up to Pebblebed Heaths conservation area, where you can see extraordinary displays of wildlife… read more

This is a lovely hike through East Devon’s rolling landscape with a few steep hills to climb and excellent views. You’ll hike across farmland and along empty lanes, passing through the odd little village where life doesn’t seem to have changed much in decades.



Starting in Honiton, the trail trundles… read more

This stage leaves Devon behind and takes you through Dorset’s gorgeous, historic landscape. The first section whisks you across fields past grazing animals and through patches of pretty woodlands. You’ll see old farm buildings around every corner and enjoy far-reaching views from hilltops.



When the trail… read more

Leaving Beaminster, this route winds north through landscapes littered with Saxon history to cross the River Axe and head into Crewkerne. This countryside here is blissfully rural with off-road footpaths and hedgerows brimming with birdsong. Crewkerne is the halfway point and, as a historic market town… read more

This stage spends half its time wandering through rolling countryside and the other half exploring old villages and historic settlements. The old farmhouses and ancient churches you encounter give the distinct impression that life has hardly changed in centuries.



There’s nothing particularly steep on… read more

Taking a rather roundabout route to reach Wincanton, this stage leaves Dorset and enters Somerset pastoral landscape. Much of this route involves hiking over fields and taking in marvellous views with church spires erupting from treelines. The trail passes the intriguing Gartell Light Railway in Yenston… read more

While the hills never get particularly high, this is a very undulating section of the Orange Way with a couple of steepish sections. The hilltops provide ample opportunity for excellent views and the descents often lead into sweet villages and past picturesque farmsteads.



Starting in Wincanton, the trail… read more

This hike is one of the longer stages of the Orange Way but its hills are relatively gentle and the landscapes are exceptionally easy-going on the eyes. Starting in Hindon, the trail traverses Wiltshire’s pretty countryside eastwards, to the majestic Cathedral city of Salisbury.



As you reach Dinton… read more

This beautiful hike heads north from Salisbury and stays in close proximity to the River Avon. First, the route passes around Old Sarum, an ancient place of great historic importance; it dates back to 3000 BC. You’ll follow tracks that could’ve wandered out of a period drama, between fields north-west… read more

One of the most historically impressive sections of the Orange Way, this hike takes you past the world-famous Stonehenge. Starting in Amesbury, there are two options for the route. I’ve chosen to include Stonehenge and its counterpart, Woodhenge, on this Tour because it would be a great shame to pass… read more

This route leads you across rural farmland with little elevation gain at all. It does meander through military territory though, so don’t be too alarmed if you see signs for tank crossings (or tanks themselves, trundling across your path). Lovely open byways are a mainstay of this section, with fields… read more

On your way out of Burbage, you’ll come across a rather unlikely literary connection foreshadowed by the name of the road the trail heads out on: Wolfhall Road. Although private, Wolfhall manor house sits on this road, the inspiration for Hilary Mantel’s Man Booker Prize-winning novel of the same name… read more

Stage 17 takes you across the county border from Wiltshire to Berkshire. The first half is of exceptional charm and beauty, using the towpath for the Kennet & Avon Canal. You’ll pass many lock gates, all with brightly-coloured narrowboats gleaming in the sunshine. Kingfishers and moorhens are commonly… read more

On this section, the route winds through the beautiful Berkshire Downs into Oxfordshire. Leaving Chieveley, the trail takes you across undulating fields, often with wonderful views. Patches of woodland and thriving hedgerows make this stage truly wonderful, particularly in summer.



The trail rises to… read more

The River Thames is the guiding force for this stage and the trail catches it immediately, as it flows through Abingdon. George Orwell’s grave is one of the major points of historic interest on this Tour and you’ll find it in the graveyard at Sutton Courtenay.



Rejoin the main route alongside the Thames… read more

Stage 20 continues along the River Thames and this hike is largely flat as a result. Exceptionally beautiful with boathouses, kayakers and vibrant riverbanks, it’s hard to believe that William of Orange didn’t just settle down in a nice cottage around here; who needs a palace?



Goring makes for a lovely… read more