Midgham, Woolhampton and Bucklebury Common, 8 miles, easy/moderate

Calendar

When:

January 2, 2023 @ 10:30 am – 10:30 am

2023-01-02T10:30:00+00:00

Where:

Midgham station
Midgham
Woolhampton, Reading RG7 5SE
UK

Contact:

Zak & Shannon

Walk

Circular easy/moderate medium pace public transport Walk Winter Staycation

A varied and mildly hilly loop in the West Berkshire countryside via Bucklebury Common.

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: medium. Ascent: 200m.

Walk details

This is an 8-mile walk with a few hills, though nothing too challenging, climbing out of Woolhampton and across farmland to the villages of Beenham and Chapel Row, before proceeding along the ridge of Bucklebury Common with its woods, bracken and heathland nature reserve, returning via Midgham itself before descending back to the start point in Woolhampton (where Midgham station is confusingly located!)

There will be the option to stop for a drink at the ever-popular Rowbarge pub at the end of the walk.

Travel details

By public transport

If driving, please park legally and considerately in the village, or in the public car park beyond the Rowbarge. There is a station car park on the north side adjacent to platform 2 (where the walk will start), however this is very small.

By car

From Reading, take the 10:12 train arriving into Midgham at 10:27, and go over the level crossing to the car park adjacent to platform 2, where the walk will start. The walk leaders will be on this train – if it is delayed, then the start of the walk will be too.

From Newbury, take the 10:10 train arriving into Midgham at 10:20, and remain on that side.

Return trains in both directions run hourly.

Notes

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.

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.