Exploring the Ash Ranges again, 7 miles, easy/moderate

This walk takes us over the large expanse of undulating heathland east of Farnborough and Aldershot that forms the Ash Ranges, together with surrounding woodland. Part of both a Special Protection Area and a Site of Special Scientific Interest in respect of both its flora and bird life, the whole area is closed for much of the time due to its role a military firing range, making this a rare opportunity for us to walk here.

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

Please note that the start time has been brought forward due to the forecast high temperatures in the middle of the day. As a result, there will no longer be a lunch stop, but please bring a snack and plenty of water to drink.

Pace: medium. Ascent: 225m.

Walk details

The route will head east across the canal and through the woodland bordering the ranges, emerging onto the heathland via Furze Hill and following its edge for a little way before proceeding into the heart of the heath via Spur Hill, Bridge Hill and Stragley Hill, with some great views across the ranges and surrounding area. We’ll have a snack break by a spring and small lake on the eastern edge of the heath where it turns to woodland, before skirting this wooded edge and returning via Hangman’s Hill, with perhaps some of the best views on the walk, and across the Romping Downs, making our walk back through the woods to our starting point at Ash Vale.

For those travelling by train back to Reading/Wokingham, the walk leader will guide you back to North Camp station, from where there are two train per hour. There is also a pub next to this station, where we may seek refreshment at the end of the walk!

The walk is graded easy/moderate despite its short length, as it’s over mixed terrain and far from flat, but there’s nothing especially challenging to contend with. Please bear in mind that there’s little shade or shelter on the open heathland. Although the walk has start time has been moved earlier in the morning, given the forecast please come prepared for it to be very hot in the sun, especially towards the end of the walk. Sun protection, hats and loose clothing are recommended, and plenty of water (more than usual) is essential.

NOTE: Most of this walk is on an active MoD training range covered by military byelaws, although the land is open for public access when live firing is not taking place. If you should encounter any possible military objects or debris, do not touch them! Likewise, do not enter any buildings or other structures on the site, which may be dangerous.

This is a repeat of the walk led on 18th July 2021, made possible by a convenient break in the firing schedule.

Should you wish to visit this area yourself on another occasion, please familiarise yourself with the safety advice here and check the firing times here. Observe the byelaws posted at the boundary of the site, and do not enter if red flags are flying or red lights illuminated.

Travel details

By public transport

If coming by train from Reading, note that Ash Vale is on a different line: take the 08:21 from Reading (08:29 from Wokingham) to North Camp instead. The walk leader will be on this train to guide you the short distance (about half a mile) to Ash Vale.

By car

You can park in the (council-run pay & display) car park alongside Ash Vale station on Station Approach, from where the walk starts. There is also a car park at North Camp station, if the other one is full, or if you plan to join us in the pub there at the end of the walk.

Notes

• If you or someone else from your household has COVID-19 symptoms, please do not attend.
• Please bring a drink and a snack.
• Please note: there is NO lunch stop on this walk.
• Please feel free to contact the leader with queries about the walk, or if you are delayed on the day.