The western half of The Ridgeway from Overton Hill to Streatley is fairly isolated as it follows the top of the chalk downland ridge often a mile or more from the nearest village and with only one pub actually on the Trail. Taps and in places troughs for animals have been installed where there is a water supply although these are not that frequent. You are therefore advised to plan carefully and to carry sufficient water for your needs.
East of the River Thames from Streatley to Ivinghoe Beacon The Ridgeway is rarely far from settlements and travels through several, so finding water is rarely a problem.
Below is a list of places where water is freely available:
| Location | Map Grid Reference | |
| SECTION 1 | No drinking water points | |
| SECTION 2 | OGBOURNE ST GEORGE TO SPARSHOLT FIRS |
|
| Elm Tree Cottage, Southend (please ask before using) | SU198734 | |
| Idstone Barn, Idstone Hill (with trough) - summer only | SU264835 | |
| Hill Barn, Sparsholt Firs (with trough) | SU338854 | |
| SECTION 3 | SPARSHOLT FIRS TO STREATLEY | |
| Court Hill Ridgeway Centre, Letcombe Regis |
SU393849 | |
| Compton Downs | SU506823 | |
| SECTION 4 | STREATLEY TO WATLINGTON | |
| Grimsdyke Cottage, Grim's Ditch | SU660872 | |
| Church, Nuffield (on the wall) | SU667874 | |
| White Mark Farm Camp Site, Watlington (March to October) |
SU696939 | |
| SECTION 5 | WATLINGTON TO WENDOVER | |
| Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve (near A40 crossing) | SU727976 | |
| SECTION 6 | No water points |