The Ridgeway national trail has installed a series of photos by Matt Writtle all along the route. This one, which I saw at Aston Rowant nature reserve on my walk has an image taken nearby of the track and a juniper bush.
You can seek out all the images on your walks along the Ridgeway, or see them all here on Matt’s website.
The text he has written to accompany the images explains succinctly how central to human development The Road has been. Here is an extract:
Everything we do as humans is determined by a route, whether it’s cerebral or physical. Paths – or ways – are the vehicle we use to connect and survive. Over the centuries paths have created social cohesion and community, voyages of discovery and increased knowledge.
Our evolution, from the earliest Homo Sapiens to present-day life, began by travelling to forage or hunt for food. The route of a successful hunt – or passage to fruit and vegetables was passed on through generations to ensure the survival of our species.
As these journeys were repeated, over time an imprint became visible on the landscape: these paths have become roads, motorways, sea channels and flight paths, ensuring a global community and greater understanding of cultures.
