Nettle beds, butterflies, and orchids, 7.5 miles, easy/moderate

This is a 7.5-mile gentle walk that will hopefully coincide with orchids in bloom

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: 240m.

Walk details

This walk will be a circular walk starting from Nettlebed. We will go to some places with the hope of seeing different wildlife including butterflies, orchids, birds, and insects.

We will first head towards Warburg Nature Reserve, where orchids are known to occur. This will take us through different woods as well. We will then go to Upper Maidensgrove, where we will pass through open grassland. After a few hills, we will continue near to Swyncombe Downs. Finally, we will pass by the old prison, and continue back to Nettlebed, passing through some native woodland on the way.

PLEASE NOTE: as this walk passes through wildlife-sensitive areas, we request that you do not bring dogs (with the exception of registered assistance dogs).

Travel details

By public transport

From Reading, the quickest journey is a 9:34 train to Didcot, and then the 33 bus from Didcot Parkway at 9:57.

By car

There are a few spaces for cars in Nettlebed – please park legally and considerately, and allow time to get to the start point.

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.