We will meet at Thatcham Station at 11:00am, after the arrival of the 10:38am train from Reading, arriving at 10:54am. The walk leader will be on this train, so if it is delayed, the start of the walk will be also.
After a short stretch westwards along the Kennet and Avon Canal, we will head south crossing both the Canal and the River Kennet, along
the edge of Crookham Common before skirting the edge of George’s Wood (I’m sure George won’t mind!).
We’ll then make the short climb up Huntsmoor Hill before picking up the Brenda Parker Way, along the River Enborne for a short stretch and then across fields before leaving Brenda Parker to her own devices and heading north, through the village of Brimpton, crossing the old Roman Road and then on to the Rowbarge pub in Woolhampton for our social!
This walk really does have a little bit of everything – canal, common, woods, fields, river and best of all, beer and cider festival!
We will spend some time at the Rowbarge in the afternoon/evening, where there is the Summer Festival taking place, with a range of
beers, ciders and gins available, as well as the full selection of drinks that you would expect from a pub, whilst listening to live
music. There is also an outdoor BBQ as well as the main menu, so we will likely get some food in the evening.
There will be a lunch stop, so please bring lunch and plenty of water to drink, especially if it’s a hot day. And don’t forget the sun cream!
For those who don’t wish to stay for the social, there are regular trains from Midgham Station (Woolhampton) back to Reading.
For those who only want to come to the social, we should be at the Rowbarge by about 4pm, so call the walk leader for a sit rep. If coming by train from Reading, the 3:10pm departure arrives at Midgham at 3:27pm, and the 4:10pm departure at 4:27pm. The Rowbarge is a 5 minute walk from the station.
NOTE: This is a linear walk. Please buy a return to Thatcham.
Sat Nav: RG19 4PP or 51.3937 -1.2432
Grid Ref: SU527663