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The Icknield Way: Portraits of the English Countryside

Virginia Woolf

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The Icknield Way is a long-distance footpath in England that follows the ancient Icknield Way, a prehistoric trackway that ran from Norfolk to the Berkshire Downs. The path passes through some of the most beautiful and historic countryside in England, including the Chiltern Hills, the Cotswolds, and Salisbury Plain. Along the way, walkers can see evidence of human habitation from the Neolithic era to the present day.

The Icknield Way: Portraits the English Countryside

by Edward Thomas

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	249 pages

The History of the Icknield Way

The Icknield Way is one of the oldest roads in England. It was first established as a trackway by the Neolithic people around 4000 BC. The trackway was used by the Bronze Age people and the Iron Age people, and it was eventually adopted by the Romans as one of their major roads in Britain. The Romans called the road Icknield Street, and it became an important route for trade and communication.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Icknield Way continued to be used as a major road. It was used by the Saxons, the Vikings, and the Normans. In the Middle Ages, the road was often used by pilgrims traveling to the shrine of St Thomas Becket in Canterbury.

The Icknield Way was gradually replaced by other roads as the main route between London and the west of England. However, it remained an important local road, and it was used by drovers and other travelers. In the 19th century, the Icknield Way was rediscovered by walkers and hikers, and it has since become one of the most popular long-distance footpaths in England.

The Icknield Way Today

The Icknield Way is now a National Trail, and it is managed by Natural England. The path is well-marked and easy to follow, and it can be walked in either direction. The path passes through a variety of landscapes, including woodland, farmland, and open countryside. Along the way, walkers can see a variety of historical sites, including Neolithic burial mounds, Roman forts, and medieval churches.

The Icknield Way is a challenging but rewarding walk, and it is a great way to experience the beauty and history of the English countryside.

Walking the Icknield Way

The Icknield Way is a long-distance footpath, and it can be walked in sections or in its entirety. The path is well-marked and easy to follow, and there are a number of resources available to help walkers plan their trip.

The Icknield Way Association is a voluntary organization that provides information and support to walkers. The Association publishes a number of guidebooks and maps, and it also organizes walks and events. The Icknield Way website is a good source of information about the path, and it includes a number of downloadable resources.

There are a number of different ways to walk the Icknield Way. Some walkers choose to walk the entire path in one go, while others prefer to walk it in sections. It is also possible to walk the path in reverse, from the Berkshire Downs to Norfolk.

The Icknield Way can be walked at any time of year, but the best time to walk is in the spring or autumn. The weather is generally milder at these times of year, and the countryside is at its most beautiful.

Walking the Icknield Way is a great way to experience the beauty and history of the English countryside. The path passes through some of the most beautiful and historic countryside in England, and it is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

The Icknield Way: Portraits the English Countryside

by Edward Thomas

4.1 out of 5