First Steps of 2024…, 5.5 miles, easy

Calendar

When:

January 1, 2024 @ 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm

2024-01-01T12:30:00+00:00

2024-01-01T15:00:00+00:00

Where:

Midgham station
Woolhampton
Reading RG7 5SE
UK

Contact:

Tom H

Walk

Circular easy gentle pace public transport Walk Winter Staycation

This 5 mile circular walk from Midgham station kicks off the New Year and includes a lake, fine views and a stretch of canal towpath, with a drink at the Rowbarge to finish.

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. Ascent: 41m.

Walk details

Starting from Midgham station (confusingly this is in the village of Woolhampton) we will cross the canal and skirt around the lake/flooded gravel pit. From there, it’s across the fields to the village of Brimpton. We pass the historic church, and from there, head on to Holdaway’s Farm, while enjoying fine views across the West Berkshire countryside. Finally, we will join the Kennet and Avon Canal at Midgham Lock and follow the towpath back to Woolhampton for a well-earned drink at the Rowbarge.

Travel details

By public transport

Please catch the 12.12 train from Reading if travelling by rail from that direction. The walk leader intends to travel on this train, if it is delayed the start of the walk will be as well. If coming by train from the Newbury direction, please catch the 12.11 departure from Newbury.

By car

Parking with charges is available at the station, although please note that Midgham station car park is very small. Parking is also available at the Rowbarge pub, or considerately in the surrounding streets.

Notes

Please bring a drink and a snack.
Please note: there is NO lunch stop on this walk.
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.

Booking onto a walk

Most walks do not require advance booking, and you can just turn up on the day. We encourage those comfortable with Meetup to indicate there that you plan to come though, so that others can see there will be plenty of people there – this really helps to encourage new members to come along.
For the few which still have limited numbers, this is handled via Meetup. Follow the link to a walk’s Meetup page (or press 🎟 Register / 🎟 Tickets / 🎟), and mark yourself as attending.
Social and other events may have their own booking system – please see the event description.

Pace Guide

Gentle: led at a gentle pace with regular short breaks for water or rest. Should be suitable for anyone capable of the distance. (Expect 2–2.5 mph.)
Medium: led at an intermediate pace with fewer breaks but still suitable for most walkers. (Expect 2.5–3 mph.)
Fast: led at a quick pace with minimal breaks. May be a challenge for those with less fitness. (Expect 3 mph+.)

Speeds quoted are only a rough guide, including time spent on short water/rest stops and negotiating stiles/gates/roads etc. but not that spent on longer lunch or pub stops.