By way of Watership Down and Ladle Hill, 17.5 or 11 miles, challenging

A long linear walk across the Hampshire–Berkshire border that takes in stunning views from the ridge which extends along the top of Watership Down from the Iron Age hillfort of Ladle Hill to The Warren, Cottington’s Hill and beyond. The full walk ends at Midgham station, but there is an option to drop out after 11 miles at Kingsclere via bus links.

Booking is required for this walk, via the form here.

Pace: fast. Ascent: 240m.

Walk details

The walk proceeds north out of Overton through fields and woodland, making a steady ascent onto the ridge line. We’ll first follow this to the west, bringing us to the Iron Age hill fort at Ladle Hill, which offers excellent views over the landscape in several directions, including onto Beacon Hill to the west. After admiring the views, we will then follow the ridge back to the east, along the top of Watership Down, Combe Hole and The Warren, stopping for lunch at a suitable point. We’ll then pass around Cottington’s Hill (home to the Hannington transmitter which provides TV and radio signals to a large area of southern England) before making our way down the far side of the ridge into the village of Kingsclere.

Depending on time, we may make a pub stop here before continuing on our way, having said goodbye to those finishing the short version of the walk. We’ll then follow a short section of the Brenda Parker Way before making our way across country to Woolhampton via Ashford Hill, Hyde End and Brimpton.

There’s the option of a final pub stop at the end of the walk at the Rowbarge in Woolhampton, a few minutes’ walk from Midgham station.

Note that this walk is graded “challenging” due to its length, although neither the terrain or ascent are particularly extreme (but some mud is certainly possible). We’ll also need to maintain a reasonably fast pace (whether you’re doing the full or short version) to ensure that we finish in the light. Sturdy and comfortable walking boots, additional snacks, plenty of water, and possibly a change of socks are recommended.

Travel details

By public transport

From Reading, please take the 08:52 train to Basingstoke, changing there onto the 09:38 to Overton, arriving at 09:46. The walk leader will be on these trains – if they are late then the start of the walk will be delayed. Trains back to Reading from Midgham run hourly. From either Reading or Basingstoke, you’ll need a single ticket to Overton, and another back from Midgham.

If you’re planning to drop out at Kingsclere, buses from here run hourly to either Newbury or Basingstoke. If travelling from Reading, your best option is probably a return to Overton, as you can pick up the return journey in Basingstoke after taking the bus. (Returning via Newbury would require a separate ticket.)

By car

If you need/wish to drive to one end of the walk, the best option is probably to park at Midgham station, take the 08:25 train to Reading and then follow the public transport directions (buying a single ticket from Midgham to Overton). Parking in Reading or Basingstoke might be another option, depending where you’re travelling from. Although there’s a car park at Overton station, if you park here you are likely to have a long wait for suitable connections to return to your car in the evening.

If you’re planning to drop out at Kingsclere, buses from here run hourly to either Newbury or Basingstoke, so your best option is probably to park in Basingstoke, take the train from there to Overton and then the bus back from Kingsclere.

Notes

• If you or someone else from your household has COVID-19 symptoms, please do not attend.
• 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.