Wayfarer's Walk, Inkpen and Ham, 11 miles, moderate/challenging

An 11-mile walk, starting and finishing near the highest natural point in southern England, taking in part of Wayfarer’s Walk, Inkpen and Ham, with stunning views across the Kennet valley.

Rescheduled from 21st January due to forecast high winds.

This walk will be led by Dan P.

Please see our website for more information about the group.

Pace: medium. Ascent: 271m.

Walk details

The walk starts at the Combe Gibbet War Memorial. Instant and stunning views towards Hungerford and the Kennet valley await. The memorial commemorates a paratroopers’ training exercise held here during the second world war. (You may well see some modern-day paragliders along the ridge!)

We start by heading East along the Wayfarer’s walk, passing by Walbury Hill (the highest hill in Berkshire). The walk then heads downhill towards Inkpen. We will then have our first refreshment stop at the Crown and Garter. After a brief stop we will carry on westwards, passing by Inkpen’s 13th Century Church and then along Bitham Lane, with views of the ridge we will be re-ascending later.

We emerge from this lane into the village of Ham, complete with thatched roofs, village green and the opportunity for a second pub stop at the Crown and Anchor. After refueling it is time to tackle the assent along the Mid Wilts Way back up on to the ridge, to Ham Hill, Inkpen Hill and on to Gallows down and prime paragliding territory before the final opportunity take in views from high up as we pass Combe Gibbet and then complete the circular walk.

Travel details

By public transport

Unfortunately there is no public transport available to any part of this route as the bus does not run on Sundays. Please consider car sharing. The walk leader is able to offer lifts for up to 3 or 4 people from Reading, or feel free to use either our Facebook group (members only) or the comments section on the Meetup event page to arrange lifts – there are often members who are happy to help!

By car

Please park at the car park near the Combe Gibbet War Memorial. Latitude/ Longitude: 51.356349, -1.469867. Alternative parking should be available closer to Combe Gibbet, (51.357745 , -1.4762691), approximately 300m away.

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.