PLEASE NOTE: This walk is limited to 14 walkers + the walk leader.
Due to Government and Ramblers restrictions, places are limited on all of our walks. Please do not turn up for a walk without prior booking via the Google form, as we will have to turn you away.
Due to COVID-19, we all need to take extra steps to stay safe. Please follow all safety advice given by the walk leader, including the latest guidelines on physical distancing while out walking.
Please follow the latest government guidelines on the use of public transport and car sharing. It is recommended that you bring hand sanitizer or gloves in case you need to touch gates/stiles/etc. It is also recommended that you bring a face covering, in case of emergencies. If you or someone else from your household has COVID-19 symptoms, please do not attend.
This is a longer walk than many we’ve done since lockdown, revisiting one of the first walks I led after joining the group 2½ years ago! It will take us through the rolling hills of the Berkshire Downs (now actually in Oxfordshire) and a brief stretch of the Ridgeway, taking in some picturesque villages and a hill fort along the way!
The walk will begin outside Cholsey station at 10:50am, shortly after the arrival of the 10:30 departure from Reading (the timing of this service now shows as confirmed, but if it is delayed then the start of the walk will be too). Parking is also available at the station, charges may apply.
From Cholsey, we will walk west through the picturesque villages of Aston Tirrold and Blewbury, taking in the hill fort at Blewbarton along the way. We will then make our way south across the downs to join the Ridgeway, returning to Cholsey via Unhill Wood and the Moulsford Downs. There are return trains from Cholsey to Reading every hour.
Please bring a packed lunch and plenty of water. There will be no pub stop on this walk, but we’ll have a second DIY refreshment stop later on in the walk – feel free to bring tea/coffee/cake/beer/cider or whatever else you prefer (but note that sharing food and drink is discouraged due to Covid precautions).
Some paths may get muddy if it has been raining, and there’s at least one stretch of rather uneven ground so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Book a place on this walk by completing the Google Form. We will only use the contact information you provide to get in touch about the walk, or to share if requested with NHS Test and Trace. If you wish to bring a friend, then you must BOTH complete the booking form.
If after booking, you need to cancel your place on the walk, please email walking@berkshirewalkers.co.uk so that we can make your place available to someone else.
Please only contact the leader with queries about the walk or if you are delayed on the day.