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Looking for a challenge?West Berkshire is also passed through by several trails of national note varying from 20 miles to 184 miles!
The Thames at Pangbourne
Feel invigorated by the brisk walk along The Ridgeway, England's oldest road. This 87 mile route passes through the north of West Berkshire over the grassy chalkland of the Berkshire Downs, between Streatley and East Ilsley. This open ancient landscapes would have been followed by travellers and soldiers before you in prehistoric times! The Ridgeway is linked to the Lambourn Valley Way. This 20 mile walk begins at the Uffington White Horse and passes through the picturesque Lambourn Valley, gradually descending some 560 feet, to end in Newbury. Using local bus services it is possible to do shorter sections between the villages if you're not quite up to 20 miles all in one go! Of course if you are then there are cosy Guest Houses and B&Bs along the way too. A free, detailed leaflet with a map is available from Newbury Tourist Information Centre or you can download it from the icon below. England's highest chalk hill, Walbury Hill lies in the south west of West Berkshire. On a clear day, you can see several counties. It's not uncommon during the summer months to see paragliders enjoying the wonderful views, silhouetted against the sunset. But this was not always such a tranquil spot as a gibbet is located here, though it was only used once in 1676. The historic landscape is of interest too with evidence of a Long Barrow and an Iron Age Hillfort. The 70 mile Wayfarers Walk, to Emsworth, begins here. Again a detailed leaflet with a map is available from Newbury Tourist Information Centre. Within West Berkshire, between Pangbourne and Streatley, is a short length of the 184 mile Thames Path National Trail that traces the banks of this serene waterway. Pangbourne was once home and inspiration to Wind in the Willows author Kenneth Grahame. Pangbourne water meadows are the ideal place to stop for a peaceful picnic. |
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