Hastoe – Grim’s Ditch
Grim’s Ditch is an ancient earthwork thought to have been constructed during the Iron Age (800BC – AD43), possibly serving as a boundary or defensive feature. But for centuries afterwards there were many myths and legends about its construction by giants, monsters, or the Devil himself.

Fanciful impression of the legendary 'Grim' overseeing his monstrous earthworks
There are Grims Ditches all over England, mostly on the chalk geologies of Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Essex, and in the Chiltern Hills, in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire. Of course they were not all built by the same people or even at the same time. But because they all look pretty much the same – a large wide bank and a deep ditch running parallel over long stretches of countryside – they all seemed to have acquired the same or similar naming.
In addition to its historical importance, Grims Ditch has also developed a reputation for mysterious occurrences over the centuries and finds its way into local folklore. Stories of ghostly sightings and strange sounds abound, and one can well imagine how spooky it might be to walk in the shadow of the tall banks as an evening mist descends…
Grims Ditch was more than just a defensive structure—it was also a symbol of collective identity and cultural heritage for the people of the Chilterns. Stories and legends were passed down through the generations, recounting the feats of bravery and resilience that had shaped their history and their destiny. And as the landscape changed and evolved over time, Grims Ditch remained a constant presence—a silent witness to the triumphs and tragedies of the past.
You can learn more about Grims Ditch here.
Heritage Trails
This is one of four ‘Routes to the Past’ circular walks, made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. You can find the other trails on the main Chilterns Interactive Map, under routes.
Each trail has four waymarkers with unique stories to tell – Find the other Hastoe trail markers and scan their stories at the locations shown here.

