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 hilly but rewarding 12-mile walk takes us into an area of the Chilterns we haven’t visited for a while, with some great views from the hillsides, picturesque villages, and even a windmill! The title reflects the shape which the route unexpectedly made on the map when first plotted…
We’ll meet at the Hambleden Mill End Car Park (that’s the one about 0.5km off the A4155, before the village itself) at 10am. The no. 800 bus leaving Reading Friar Street at 9am arrives at the turning at 9:40, in good time to walk the short distance to the start point. (The walk leader will be on this bus, so if it’s running late, the start of the walk will also be delayed.)
From there, we’ll head north, saving the village for the end and taking the small wooded ridge before venturing further into the hills towards Southend, passing through Kimble Wood on our way to the delightful village of Turville. From here, we’ll make our steepest ascent of the day up to the windmill for (weather permitting) some great views of the surrounding landscape. We’ll then loop through Hanger Wood and make our way back towards Hambleden via Mousells Wood, Frieth and Pheasant’s Hill. After passing through and admiring Hambleden itself it’s a short walk through the meadows back to the start. For those needing one, buses back to Reading run every hour.
Please bring a packed lunch and plenty of water. As usual in current times, there will be no pub stop on the walk; instead however, we’ll have a second refreshment stop on the return leg of the walk – feel free to bring your own beer/cider/tea/coffee/cake etc. for this as you prefer!
Although not unusually long, the walk is graded challenging due to its hilly nature – about 500m ascent/descent in total. Sturdy footwear is therefore 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.