Join us for a leisurely Bank Holiday Sunday walk around Pangbourne and Whitchurch Hill with views across to Purley and the River Thames, weather permitting. This easy walk sees us head up out of Pangbourne over the River Thames to join the footpaths of the local countryside. Along the walk we hope to see large clusters and carpets of bluebells…
Advance booking is not required, but if you plan on attending this walk, please indicate this on Meetup if you can, so others can see that there will be plenty of people going.
Pace: gentle.
Walk details
The walk will start from Pangbourne station and take us over the River Thames via Whitchurch Bridge, past the beautiful St Mary the Virgin Church at Whitchurch. Heading up the hill we join the local paths and join the Chiltern Way footpath.
We pass through Collins End and walk through Bottom Wood and onto Long Ground Plantation. Here we should be able to see plenty of bluebells in all their glory!
Once we reach the top of Straw Hill we will get amazing views across to Purley and the River Thames (weather permitting). We now have to walk down the hill – it is fairly steep downwards so we will take our time here. If this is muddy please be careful!
We will walk past Hardwick House and get to see the alpacas at Bozedown Farm. How many different colours of alpacas will you get to spot?
As we come back into Whitchurch Hill we will head back over the Whitchurch Toll Bridge crossing the River Thames and back to Pangbourne station.
Travel details
By public transport
From Reading, catch the 11.26am train which will arrive at Pangbourne at 11.34am.
From Didcot Parkway, catch the 11.12am train which will arrive at Pangbourne at 11.26am.
By car
Free parking is available at the car park opposite the Lamborghini Garage in the centre of Pangbourne. This car park is only a couple of minutes’ walk from the station (where charges do apply).
The train station has its own car park but charges will apply – you can use the APCOA app to pay for parking. We would recommend downloading and setting up the APCOA app in advance – will save you time on the day of the walk.
Notes
- Please bring a packed lunch and a drink.
- It might be muddy – please wear suitable footwear.
- Please feel free to contact the leader with queries about the walk, or if you are delayed on the day.