Peppard Common, Stoke Row and the Maharajah's Well, 8 miles, moderate

Calendar

When:

December 29, 2023 @ 10:15 am – 3:00 pm

2023-12-29T10:15:00+00:00

2023-12-29T15:00:00+00:00

Where:

Corner of Gallowstree Rd
Stoke Row Rd
Peppard Common, Henley-on-Thames RG9 5EJ
UK

Contact:

Zak

Walk

Circular medium pace moderate public transport Walk Winter Staycation

This walk takes in the villages and surprisingly remote-feeling woodland just north of Reading, including a chance to see the remarkable Maharajah’s Well in Stoke Row.

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: 250m.

(This reprises the leader’s first walk after the initial Covid lockdown in July 2020, from which the above photos are taken.)

Walk details

Apart from the villages of Rotherfield Peppard and Stoke Row, this walk is mostly through quiet woodland – although it’s only a few miles north of Reading, the area feels much more remote!

We’ll walk north out Peppard through a long wooded valley, before climbing through Greyhone Plantation and proceeding towards Stoke Row. Here you’ll have chance to see the remarkable Maharajah’s Well, before we return to the forest, passing through Ipsden Wood before skirting the edge of the Wyfold estate and making our way across Kingswood Common back to Peppard, where those who wish can stop for a drink at the Unicorn before returning home.

Although only 8 miles, the walk is graded moderate as the area is significantly hillier than many of our walks, and while unlikely to be flooded the paths can get very muddy – please wear appropriate footwear.

Travel details

By public transport

From Reading, take the number 25 bus from Friar Street (stop FJ) at 09:45, and alight at Peppard Stores, just opposite the start point. The walk leader intends to travel on this bus, so if it is delayed then the start of the walk will be. Return buses run hourly.

By car

There is a small free parking area at the start point on the corner of Stoke Row Road and Gallowstree Road.

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.