Day Hike: Goring Gap and Basildon Park

HIGHLIGHTS

• Goring Gap
• River Thames
• National Trust Basildon Park
• Streatley Hill Mazes
• Lardon Chase
• Beautiful countryside
• Visit a local pub for a drink before heading home

DESCRIPTION
We commence our hike from Goring & Streatley train station, walking through the picturesque village of Goring, which has a foot in two adjacent Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (the Chilterns and the North Wessex Downs).

We join the River Thames and follow the Thames path passing the Goring Gap - a topographical feature where the Thames, flowing from north to south, cuts through and crosses the Chiltern Hills and Berkshire Downs in a relatively narrow gap.

After following the Thames we ascend into the hill and countryside before dropping down into the village of Whitchurch and crossing the Thames on the grade II listed Whitchurch bridge. We rejoin the Thames path and follow the river heading into Basildon Par and seeing the impressing Basildon House.

From Basildon we meander through the Berkshire countryside heading towards Streatley an area known for the presence of several neolithic and Iron Age forts. We'll keep our eyes peeled for the Streatley mazes, the sources of which remain a mystery.

We pass through the woods ascending to the view point at Lardon Chase, where we should have great views of the Thames valley. We then descend into the valley traversing the beautiful Goring and Streatley bridge with views of the lock.

Our hike will conclude in the village of Goring, where there is a choice of pubs for a drink before heading home.

WHAT TO EXPECT - HIKING INFO
Distance: 25-26km (c.15 miles) circular route
Ascent: c.490 metres
Estimated Duration (approx): 5-6 hours walking
Difficulty: Energetic

PROGRAMME
Meetup Point: Goring & Streatley train station - outside the front
Meetup Time: 10:10

Recommended train: Open return from London Paddington to Goring & Streatley.
Departing at 09:22, arriving at Goring & Streatley 10:05, (change at Reading)

It is impossible to promise a specified finish train and time, but we aim to be back in London by 19:00

HIKE INCLUDES

• Guided Hike planned and led by experienced AAA leaders, trained Summer Mountain Leader with Wilderness First Aid Training.
• PayPal fees

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Travel costs
• Lunch, drinks or any refreshments
• Souvenirs
• Meetup Fee levied on all purchases via meetup
• Entrance fees to any attractions you wish to visit

RECOMMENDED KIT LIST (full list)

• Suitable hiking shoes or boots
• Waterproof jacket and trousers (Please no jeans!)
• Water [2L recommended]
• Warm/Windproof layer, e.g. Down/Primaloft/Fleece
• Wicking base layer, e.g. Polyester/Tencil/Merino
• Camera & Phone
• Picnic lunch and snacks

CANCELLING/REFUNDS
Please update your RSVP to say ‘No’ if your plans change. Others can then take advantage of the newly available place.

If the hike is full, please email info@aaalondongroup.com after the event and request a refund, less the PayPal/Meetup fees. You must provide your email for the PayPal account and transaction reference.

QUESTIONS
If you have any other questions, please check out our FAQ page; if you are still unsure, contact the event organiser as shown on this event page

We have operated over 1000 events in the last ten years that have been free of major incidents. We have achieved this via meticulous planning. All participants (members and their guests) in any AAA Hiking event or activity are personally responsible for their fitness, safety and welfare and must be equipped accordingly. If you have signed up for the event, you acknowledge and accept the AAA London Group Terms and Conditions.

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