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. Possible pub stop in Puttenham and/or at the end of the walk. Return trains to Reading are every hour.
Please bring a packed lunch and plenty to drink.
Although some of the walk is on surfaced byways, there are also parts which are likely to be muddy and/or waterlogged, so walking boots are advisable unless you like wet feet!
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.
Sat Nav: GU12 5LP or 51.2496 -0.7126
Grid Ref: SU899508