Every generation leaves a mark on Britain, but if you know where to look, you can still find the ancient tracks that our ancestors used to crisscross this land. In this two-part special, anthropologist and keen hiker Mary-Ann Ochota tracks the pathways of our ancestors from the Uffington White Horse to the incredible site of Avebury Henge.

She starts her adventure on Uffington Hill, where there’s a whole collection of prehistoric treasures, but the main attraction is the White Horse and on hand to tell Mary-Ann all its secrets is White Horse mega fan Andy Foley. Afterwards Mary-Ann is back on her journey, walking to Wayland’s Smithy, one of the oldest monuments on the ridgeway and indeed one of the oldest monuments in the whole country. After exploring the myths of this magical site with storyteller Jason Buck, the pair settle in for a summer night of folktales about the Ridgeway around a crackling campfire.

The next day the walk continues through the spring sunshine, accompanied by skylarks and blossoming mayflower, as Mary-Ann hikes from Hackpen Hill to Fyfield Down, where she uncovers an incredible object used over 6,500 years ago by our prehistoric ancestors.

In episode two Mary-Ann will descend into the oldest monument in the whole of England, will uncover the mysteries behind the largest man-made mounds in Europe, Before ending her adventure by meeting archaeologist and Wiltshire local, Phil Harding, at one of the most iconic prehistoric landmarks in Britain, Avebury Henge.

Liked this? We recommend reading Mary-Ann’s books, Secret Britain: Unearthing Our Mysterious Past and Hidden Histories: A Spotter's Guide to the British Landscape, available at all book retailers.

If you fancy visiting the Ridgeway yourself find out more below:

The Ridgeway National Trial: https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/trails/the-ridgeway/
Uffington White Horse:
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/white-horse-hill
Waylands Smithy: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/waylands-smithy/
Ridgeway Barns: https://theridgewaybarns.co.uk/
West Kennett Long Barrow: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/west-kennet-long-barrow/
Silbury Hill: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/silbury-hill/
The Farm at Avebury: https://www.thefarmatavebury.co.uk/
Avebury Henge: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/avebury/