The Great Loop of Greenham Common, 8.5 miles, easy

From Thatcham station we head for our loop around Greenham Common to soak in the history that surrounds the common. From open common to airfield and back to common land. This walk will give you chance to walk around the common and see the cows which graze. With the opportunity to stop at the café in the control tower.

This walk will be led by Jason.

Please see our website for more information about the group.

Pace: gentle.

Walk details

The walk will start from Thatcham station with us heading off out along the Kennet and Avon Canal. We will meet in the station car park which is on the canal side of the station. We will cross the canal at Monkey Marsh Bridge and start making our way up to Greenham Common.

Once we arrive onto the Common we will start our walk around the Common, you will be getting the chance to see where the old runway used to be. We might be able to see some of the local farmers‘ cows grazing. As we continue with our plod we will see the old missile silos coming into sight. The missile silos have been featured in many different films – can you name any films you have seen them in?

We head off into the woods through Drayton's Gully and back onto the main paths of the common.

We will get our chance to stop at the airfield’s control tower cafe for a tea and cake. We may get chance to go up to the top of the tower to get a full view of the common as it would have been seen when the planes were landing.

After the cafe stop we start heading back towards the start. We join back up with the Canal and finish off back at the train station.

Travel details

By public transport

If you are coming from Reading catch the 10.12am train which arrives at Thatcham station at 10.31am. If you are coming from Newbury catch the 10.15am train which arrives at 10.21am.

By car

The train station has a car park – fees payable. Make sure you have downloaded and setup the APCOA parking app as the station doesn't have any parking machines – you have to use the app.

Notes

• Please bring a packed lunch and a drink.
• It might be muddy – please wear suitable footwear.
• Please contact the leader directly if you are delayed on the day or can't find the group (find contact details on our website). We are unlikely to respond to Meetup comments or messages sent on the day of the walk in enough time to be helpful.