Devil's Ditch

Heritage Site in Berkshire South Oxfordshire

England

Devil's Ditch

Thurle Down Trees across a field, at Thurle Down. — Thurle Down Credit: Wayland Smith

Devil's Ditch is a historic heritage site located in Berkshire, England. This ancient earthwork stretches for approximately 7 miles, running from the village of Streatley in the west to the town of Newbury in the east. It is believed to date back to the Iron Age, with some sections possibly older.

The Devil's Ditch consists of a deep and wide ditch, accompanied by a high bank on one side. The ditch itself is around 30 feet wide and up to 15 feet deep in some areas. The bank stands at approximately 20 feet high, creating an impressive defensive structure. The earthwork was strategically constructed across the Berkshire Downs, likely serving as a boundary or defensive fortification during ancient times.

The name "Devil's Ditch" has been attributed to various legends and folklore surrounding the site. One popular tale suggests that the ditch was dug by the devil himself, while others believe it got its name due to the challenging terrain it presented to those crossing it.

Today, Devil's Ditch serves as a popular destination for both history enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts. It offers scenic walking and hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the landscape and observe the impressive earthwork. The site provides a unique opportunity to experience a piece of ancient history and appreciate the ingenuity of our ancestors.

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Devil's Ditch Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.538/-1.185 or Grid Reference SU5682. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Thurle Down Trees across a field, at Thurle Down.

Thurle Down

Trees across a field, at Thurle Down.

Thurle Down Trees on the hill, Thurle Down.

Thurle Down

Trees on the hill, Thurle Down.

Ridgeway Ridgeway at Thurle Down as a farm track merges in from the south.

Ridgeway

Ridgeway at Thurle Down as a farm track merges in from the south.

Start of the Ridgeway Information for walkers and tourists near the end of the public road.

Start of the Ridgeway

Information for walkers and tourists near the end of the public road.

The Fair Mile, Aston Tirrold The restricted byway descending gradually towards the A417.

The Fair Mile, Aston Tirrold

The restricted byway descending gradually towards the A417.

Farmland, Cholsey A footpath running along the foot of Unhill Bottom approaches Starveall through a cereal crop.

Farmland, Cholsey

A footpath running along the foot of Unhill Bottom approaches Starveall through a cereal crop.

Wood and farmland, Cholsey Recently cultivated land and the steep wooded south-eastern flank of Unhill Bottom.

Wood and farmland, Cholsey

Recently cultivated land and the steep wooded south-eastern flank of Unhill Bottom.

Farmland, Cholsey Trees stand in recently cultivated land, detached from woodland in the upper part of Unhill Bottom.

Farmland, Cholsey

Trees stand in recently cultivated land, detached from woodland in the upper part of Unhill Bottom.

Thurle Down Sheep (and cows in the distance) enjoying the grass on Thurle Down, viewed from a car park for The Ridgeway at the end of Rectory Road.

Thurle Down

Sheep (and cows in the distance) enjoying the grass on Thurle Down, viewed from a car park for The Ridgeway at the end of Rectory Road.

Rectory Lane Ridgeway car park A car park for access to The Ridgeway, at the end of Rectory Lane.

Rectory Lane Ridgeway car park

A car park for access to The Ridgeway, at the end of Rectory Lane.

The Ridgeway Looking towards Warren Farm.

The Ridgeway

Looking towards Warren Farm.

The Ridgeway Looking towards Warren Farm.

The Ridgeway

Looking towards Warren Farm.

Meadow Cottage from The Ridgeway Looking from The Ridgeway towards farm buildings and Meadow Cottage, off Rectory Road.

Meadow Cottage from The Ridgeway

Looking from The Ridgeway towards farm buildings and Meadow Cottage, off Rectory Road.

Downland to Ham Wood Looking up a field of downland to Ham Wood, over the border in Oxfordshire.

Downland to Ham Wood

Looking up a field of downland to Ham Wood, over the border in Oxfordshire.

Streatley Warren from The Ridgeway South of the Ridgeway, viewed through a gap in the trees.

Streatley Warren from The Ridgeway

South of the Ridgeway, viewed through a gap in the trees.

The Ridgeway Looking towards Warren Farm.

The Ridgeway

Looking towards Warren Farm.

Streatley Warren from The Ridgeway

Streatley Warren from The Ridgeway

The Ridgeway Looking towards Warren Farm.

The Ridgeway

Looking towards Warren Farm.

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Devil's Ditch is located at Grid Ref: SU5682 (Lat: 51.538, Lng: -1.185)

Administrative County: Oxfordshire

District: South Oxfordshire

Police Authority: Thames Valley

What 3 Words

///plates.charted.engraving. Near Goring, Oxfordshire

Nearby Locations

Devil's Ditch North Unhill Harcombe Wood

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