Make the most of your time in Berkshire by joining me on this idyllic ramble.
The walk will start at 10:15am from Hungerford railway station (south side). This is shortly after the arrival of the 09:40am from Reading which arrives in Hungerford at 10:13am. If the train is delayed, the start of the walk will be too. Parking is also available at the station, where charges apply.
We will head out from the station and up to Hungerford Common where (if we’re lucky) we’ll get to see the friendly herd of cows who freely graze there – as well as a good view looking up to Combe Gibbet in the distance. The way continues taking us through some great countryside – through the beautiful North Wessex Downs (AONB) – into Mount Prosperous & Ham before crossing the border into Wiltshire and picking up the Mid Wilts Way. This leads us up Ham Hill – a short but very steep ascent! Safe to say, the views are 100% worth the climb. Once at the top we’ll head east along to Combe Gibbet itself where we’ll stop for some lunch – this will give us plenty of time to admire the stunning vista. If you don’t know the history of the Gibbet, the walk leader will be happy to tell you about it, it’s a good story!
After lunch we will pick up the start of the Wayfarer’s Walk and visit the trig point at the top of Walbury Hill (the highest hill in Berkshire and the highest natural point in South East England – a must-see if this is your first time in the area!). Shortly after we will begin our descent – not as steep as the way up! There is a small amount of road walking, but mainly we will be following footpaths before arriving back at Hungerford Common.
Pub stop at The Downgate on the edge of Hungerford Common at the end of walk OR if you fancy, some excellent tea & cake! Hungerford is a particularly picturesque town in West Berkshire and well worth a wander. For anyone not wanting to stay a while, the train station is a 5 minute walk away with hourly return trains to Reading.
Please bring a pack lunch and any snacks you’ll want to eat along the way – as well as plenty of water. I look forward to showing you this beautiful part of the West Berkshire countryside.
For those that don’t have a Railcard, we will try to travel in groups of 3-9 to take advantage of the GroupSave discount – if you wish to do this, please meet at 9:10am prompt outside the Three Guineas Pub, and carry some change. The discounted ticket from Reading will cost around £6.15 (the non-discount price is £9.30).
This walk is part of National Young Ramblers 2018. However, we would be delighted to welcome all people on this walk, whether you are attending our event or not.
Sat Nav: RG17 0EA or 51.4146 -1.5117
Grid Ref: SU340685