Ridgeway to Railway, 13.5 miles, challenging

Calendar

When:

February 26, 2022 @ 10:15 am

2022-02-26T10:15:00+00:00

2022-02-26T10:30:00+00:00

Where:

Goring and Streatley station
Gatehampton Rd
Goring, Reading RG8 0EP
UK

Cost:

Free

Contact:

Andrew K

Walk

Booking Required challenging Linear public transport Walk

This 13.5 mile linear walk from Goring will journey along the historic Ridgeway, before following the old railway line back into Didcot.

Walk details

From Goring we will cross the bridge over to Streatley. Going out of Streatley we will follow Rectory Road until it becomes the Ridgeway.

We’ll be following the Ridgeway – Britain’s oldest road – for several miles, before coming off near where it passes the old Newbury–Didcot railway line and heading towards Upton.

Once in Upton we’ll make a stop at the George & Dragon pub for some much-needed refreshment. Afterwards we will make our way out of Upton via the path of the old railway embankment for the last couple of miles back to Didcot Parkway.

Travel details

By public transport

The 09.53 from Reading will arrive in Goring for 10.05. As the walk is linear, please buy a return ticket to Didcot if you are travelling by train from Reading. Meet on the east (Gatehampton Road / car park / main entrance) side of the station.

By car

Parking is available at Goring & Streatley station, but you will need to get the train back to Goring from Didcot after the walk. Alternatively, parking is available near Didcot Parkway if you wanted to get the train from Didcot before the walk.

Notes

If you or someone else from your household has COVID-19 symptoms, please do not attend.
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.
It might be muddy – please wear suitable footwear.
If it’s a rainy day, please bring waterproofs.
Please feel free to contact the leader with queries about the walk, or if you are delayed on the day.

Booking details

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.
If you have any queries, please email walkbookings@berkshirewalkers.co.uk.

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.