- This walk is limited to 14 walkers + the walk leader.
- Do not turn up for a walk without prior booking, else we will have to turn you away
- Follow all safety advice given by the walk leader
- It is recommended you bring hand sanitizer or gloves in case you need to touch gates/stiles/etc
- If you or someone else from your household has COVID-19 symptoms, please do not attend.
A repeat of one of the last walks I led before Covid, this circular walk from Ash passes through a variety of landscapes, from the disused railway and other byways around Ash itself, through farmland and villages to slopes of Hog’s Back and the ridged woodland of the North Downs Way to its south.
We will begin from Ash station at 11:20am, shortly after the arrival of the 10:41 service from Reading (10:50 from Wokingham), heading south towards Ash Green and picking up the disused railway line, following the byways east to the intriguingly-named Christmas Pie and Flexford. From here we will turn south, taking the Fox Way across farmland to Wanborough and then climbing over Hog’s Back into the village of Puttenham.
This is the farthest point of the walk, and we will then follow the wooded ridge of the North Downs Way westwards to Seale. From there we will turn back to the north, crossing Hog’s Back once again on our return to Ash. Return trains to Reading are every hour.
If driving, charges probably apply to park at the station itself – otherwise please park legally and considerately nearby.
Please bring a packed lunch and plenty of water. There will be no pub stop on the walk, unfortunately – although there might be an opportunity to visit one a few minutes’ walk away at the end, if it’s open.
Although some of the walk is on surfaced byways, there are also parts which may get muddy and/or waterlogged in the event of recent rain, so please wear suitable footwear.
Finally, please be aware that the route does unfortunately involve crossing a fast dual carriageway twice. We’ll obviously take care to do so safely, but if you have a lightweight high-vis item then you might wish to pack it.
Book a place on this walk by completing the Google Form. 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 email walkbookings@berkshirewalkers.co.uk so that we can make your place available to someone else.
Please only contact the leader with queries about the walk or if you are delayed on the day.