Hangings and the Highest Point in Berkshire , 10 miles, Challenging

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When:
July 17, 2021 @ 10:15 am
2021-07-17T10:15:00+01:00
2021-07-17T10:30:00+01:00
Where:
Kintbury Station
Station Rd
Kintbury, Hungerford RG17 9UT
UK
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Jason
Walk
Booking Required challenging Circular Limited Spaces (20) public transport Walk

This is a 10 mile circular walk taking in the highest point in Berkshire (Walbury Hill).

Walk details

The walk heads away from the station, through the small village of Kintbury passing by St Cassian’s College (which is a Catholic Youth Retreat Centre) – a beautiful looking building. We will pass through the small village of Lower Green where we still start to see sightings of our climb ahead up to Coombe Gibbet. This walk up to Combe Gibbet is a steep hill (you have been warned)!

The original Gibbet was erected back in 1676 for purpose of gibbeting the bodies of George Broomham and Dorothy Newman who were having an affair and were hanged for murdering George Broomham’s wife Martha, and their son Robert after they discovered them together on the Downs.

Once at the top of Gallows Down next to the Gibbet we will find a suitable spot to stop for lunch and catch our breath! After lunch we will pass across the top of Walbury Hill which is the highest point in Berkshire at 297 metres.

After this point we will start making our way back down towards Kintbury passing this time through Upper Green and heading back to the start at Kintbury Station after a walking along a short stretch of the Kennet and Avon Canal.

Travel details

Limited parking is available at the station.

If you are coming from Reading, take the 09.35am which will arrive at Kintbury station for 10.15am. The train from Reading will arrive at Newbury 09.58am and you will need to change here for the Kintbury train.  This train leaves at 10.09am and arrives in Kintbury at 10.15am.  If the train is late, the start of the walk will be too.

Notes

  • If you or someone else from your household has COVID-19 symptoms, please do not attend.
  • You must follow all safety advice given by the walk leader.
  • It is recommended that you bring hand sanitizer or gloves in case you need to touch gates/stiles/etc.
  • Please be considerate to other path users and step aside to let people past – and don’t forget to say ‘hi’ or ‘thanks’!
  • Please bring a packed lunch and a drink.
  • Please bring a drink and a snack.
  • It might be muddy – please wear suitable footwear.
  • If it’s a rainy day, please bring waterproofs.
  • If it’s a hot sunny day, please bring plenty of water and wear sun cream and a sun hat!
  • Please feel free to contact the leader with queries about the walk, or if you are delayed on the day.

Booking details

  • This walk is limited to 20 walkers including the walk leader.
  • Do not turn up for the walk without booking, else we will have to turn you away.
  • Book a place on this walk by completing this Google Form. Booking will open the Wednesday evening before the walk.
  • 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 after booking, you need to cancel your place on the walk, please use the link in your walk booking confirmation email so that we can make your place available to someone else.
  • If you have any queries, please email walkbookings@berkshirewalkers.co.uk.