From Tiny Acorns, A Mighty Walk, 10.5 miles, moderate (BOOKING REQUIRED)

UPDATED UPDATE: The train from Reading that was cancelled was magically reinstated, and the walk is now expected to start at the original time, provided the connection is made in Newbury as expected. Apologies for the transport-induced confusion!

This 10.5-mile walk from Bedwyn to Marlborough will take in the ancient forest of Savernake in autumn colours!

This walk will be led by Tom H.

Advance booking is required for this walk, which is limited to 16 people. This is now handled by marking yourself as attending here on Meetup. Please do not turn up without booking your space by doing so, only sign up if you intend to come, and cancel in good time if you can no longer attend so that someone else can take your place.

Please see our website for more information about the group.

Pace: medium. Ascent: 215m.

Walk details

The walk starts by leaving Bedwyn and proceeds across pleasant Wiltshire countryside, passing through Chisbury Wood. There will be a short stretch of road walking before we enter Savernake Forest.

Savernake Forest is the largest privately owned ancient forest in Britain (although only closed to the public on one day a year, usually around Christmas or New Year). It is also believed to have the largest concentration of “veteran”/ancient trees of any forest in Europe. The oldest and most notable of these have been named. We’ll walk through the forest from one end to the other, following a meandering route with some short out and backs, trying to see as many of the named trees as possible. We’ll pass one of the most famous almost straight away: the King of Limbs, an oak believed to be a thousand years old, its branches spreading spider-like across the ground (more recently, Radiohead named an album after it).

We’ll walk a short stretch of the Grand Avenue, reputedly Britain’s longest dead straight tree-lined avenue, before turning off at Eight Walks, the heart of the forest where trails radiate like a clock face. Notable trees in the northern part of the forest include Old Paunchy, a seven hundred year old oak, and the Cathedral Oak, also a thousand years old and with a girth of 10m.

Passing one last named tree (the Bumble Oak) at the Postern Hill campsite and car park, we’ll leave the forest and descend Postern Hill itself towards Marlborough. We’ll skirt around the edge of town on an old railway line turned cycle path, before heading into the town to finish along the River Kennet. Marlborough is an historic market town with a wide variety of refreshment options on its broad high street, notably the Green Dragon pub and the Polly Tea Rooms!

Travel details

By public transport

Please travel on the 10.11am train from Newbury if travelling by train (connecting train leaves Reading at 9.33am). The walk leader intends to travel on these trains – if there is a delay the start of the walk may be delayed as well.

At the end of the walk we will return from Marlborough to Bedwyn by bus. Since the recce was carried out, the service bus has been replaced by a Demand Responsive Travel (DRT) system. The limit on the size of the walk has been determined by the maximum number of people it is possible to book for the bus journey. The walk leader will book the bus prior to the walk. Please bring £2 cash for the fare.

By car

Pay by app parking is available at Bedwyn station. If you do drive to the walk, please ensure that you arrive in good time to park and pay before the walk start at 10.35am.

As this is a linear walk, you will need to return to your car by bus at the end, as per the public transport details.

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.