AS A curtain-raiser to Wayfaring, The North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has released a video that explores the ancient routes of the Icknield Way.

‘Wayfaring’ is an outdoor art installation and performance being held at Basildon Park, a National Trust Property near Reading, Berkshire from the 18th -21st July, and is inspired by this route.

Claimed at the oldest road in Britain, The Icknield Way is a chain of braided tracks running along a chalk spine, from the cliffs of Dorset to the Norfolk Coast.

Their origins have been lost in time, however pre-historic landmarks across the landscape is how it can be traced today.

Basildon Park, is where the North Wessex Downs meet the Chiltern Hills and sits on the edge of the route.

The video maps the approximate route of the Icknield Way within the North Wessex Downs, and features a birds eye perspective via aerial footage of some of the fascinating prehistoric landmarks and chalk landscape along it; including; Avebury World Heritage Site (c. 2850BC) in Wiltshire, Uffington White Horse (c. 1750BC) in Oxfordshire and Seven Barrows in Berkshire, dating back to c. 4000BC.

‘Wayfaring’, is created by artists Mandy Dike and Ben Rigby, who work together as And Now: and co-commissioned by the Corn Exchange in Newbury with support from the Arts Council.

Access to Basildon Park and the art installation is free, and visitors can contribute to the artwork between 18th - 20th July.

On the evening of Saturday 21st July from 7pm, live music and performance will transform the installation in a rousing celebration.

The audience will play an active part in Wayfaring - walking, looking, listening, maybe even singing. This is also free to attend but tickets need to be reserved in advance.

For more information visit cornexchangenew.com