Walking in the footsteps of Jane Austen: Overton & Steventon, 9 miles, leisurely

"Her pleasure in the walk must arise from the exercise and the day" - Jane Austen, Persuasion.

2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen, one of the world’s most beloved authors. To celebrate, the Berkshire Walkers will be having a series of walks across the year visiting sites connected with Austen.

This easy 9-mile walk from Overton will wander through Ashe, Dean and Steventon, admiring the countryside where Jane Austen spent the first 25 years of her life.

Pace: gentle. Ascent: 144m.

This walk will be led by Shannon.

Please see our website for more information about the group.

Walk details

Note: you don't need to be a Jane Austen fan to enjoy this walk!

We'll enjoy the quiet countryside, heading east from Overton station through the pretty hamlets of Ashe and Deane until we reach Steventon, where we will stop for lunch. After lunch, we'll head north west through the fields to Overton, where there are several pubs should we wish to stop for a drink. It's then about half a mile back up from the village to the train station.

For those of you who are Jane Austen fans:

• Ashe is where Tom Lefroy, nephew to the tennants of Ashe Parsonage, stole Jane's heart in 1795.
• Jane's father and brother were both curate in Dean at various times, and Jane also visited Deane House frequently.
• After Dean we'll pass Cheesedown Farm, where Jane's father farmed the land, and Ashe Park Copse, where Jane joked to her sister about being murdered.
• Jane Austen was born in the rectory (now demolished) in Steventon in 1775, and lived there until she was 25. Elm Tree Cottages are only houses left that were there in Jane's time.
• Have a look at the Overton Jane Austen trails if you want to know more!

*We'd like to thank Overton Jane Austen trails for the information and inspiration for this walk, which is based on the walks on their website. https://overtonparishcouncil.gov.uk/overton-jane-austen-trails/*

Travel by public transport

If travelling from Reading, catch they 10:12 train which arrives into Overton at 10:42. Please note, if this train is delayed, the start of the walk will be too.

Travel by car

There is a small car park at Overton Station.

Advice

Please bring a packed lunch.

If it’s sunny, please bring sun cream, a hat, and plenty of water.

Dogs

Dogs allowed provided they are kept on a lead at all times.

Please contact the leader directly if you are delayed on the day or can't find the group (find contact details on the Ramblers website). We are unlikely to respond to Meetup comments or messages sent on the day in enough time to be helpful.