Berkshire Walkers (20’s & 30’s Ramblers Group)

This easy circular walk will take in views of the Kennet & Avon Canal, Bowdown Woods and Greenham Common.

Difficulty: Leisurely
Distance: 12.9km / 8.0mi
Ascent: 107m / 351ft
Type: circular

The walk will start as a nice easy stroll along the Kennet and Avon canal until we reach Bull’s Lock. There we will cross the canal and head south towards Bowdown Farm.

We’ll walk up the hill towards the Bowdown Woods Nature Reserve: a beautiful ancient woodland with spectacular views; hidden valleys; and handsome bridges over winding streams. We’ll loop around the top of the reserve – there will be a few ups and downs, but nothing strenuous. We'll stop to eat our packed lunches here.

Finally, we’ll head back down the hill and out onto Greenham Common. This is a pretty and open stretch of heathland, which used to host a RAF base through the Second World War and Cold War. We will follow the footpath around the common and then head north to re-join the canal path and return to the station.

Travel by public transport
If travelling from Reading, please catch the 10:43 Great Western Railway service from Reading, which calls at Reading West (10:45), Theale (10:50), Aldermaston (10:55), Midgham (10:58), and arrives into Thatcham at 11:02. If this train is delayed, the start of the walk will be too.

If travelling from Newbury, you can catch the 10:57 service also arriving into Thatcham at 11:02.

Return trains run approximately every hour. If we have long to wait, we can call into the pub next to the station.

Travel by car
Parking is available at Thatcham station, charges may apply.

Advice

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

Dogs
Dogs welcome provided they are under control at all times and placed on a lead when requested by the walk leader.

This is a 9 mile LINEAR walk from Ascot, via peaceful woodland, and footpaths running through Windsor Great Park, as well as polo fields and greens of Wentworth Golf Club, ending in Sunningdale.

We'll meet outside Ascot station (car park side) and make our way first through South Ascot parkland, before turning north, through South Ascot and towards the village of Sunninghill. Here, we can take a quick look at St Michael’s and All Angels, a Grade II listed church.

We’ll then continue through a section of Silkwood Park and woods before heading via wide paths to the Ascot gate, on the western side of Windsor Great Park. After following some tree-lined trails through the park we’ll stop for lunch.

Next, we’ll turn east into Coworth Park, which hosts large polo fields, before winding our way across the (publicly accessible) carefully landscaped, trimmed greens and woods of Wentworth Golf Club.

Our end point at Sunningdale train station is a short walk away, and those who want to can stop for a drink at a pub on the high street.

Difficulty: Leisurely
Distance: 14.5km / 9.0mi
Ascent: 166m / 545ft
Type: linear

Travel by public transport: Please take the 10:09 service from Reading, arriving 10:37. The walk leader will be on this train, so if the train is delayed the walk will be too. Trains return to Bracknell, Wokingham and Reading every half hour.

Travel by car: You can park at Ascot train station, though it is likely to cost over £5 for the duration of the walk (over four hours). To pick up your car from Ascot station please catch a train back there - they depart every half hour (a single stop).

Please bring a packed lunch and plenty of water.
Please wear strong trail shoes or walking boots as the paths may be muddy.
Dogs are allowed, provided they are kept on a lead at all times.

Note: This is an expanded, rerouted (and perhaps more enjoyable!) version of a walk I led in 2025.

Join us for a scenic 6.5-mile circular walk from beautiful Pangbourne, exploring riverside paths, woodland trails and rolling Chiltern countryside all starting from Pangbourne Station.

We begin by crossing the iconic River Thames over the Whitchurch Bridge at Whitchurch-on-Thames before climbing up through Whitchurch Hill for some wonderful elevated views. From there, we pick up part of the picturesque Chiltern Way, winding our way via Collins End and through the peaceful surroundings of Bottom Wood.

The route then descends along the wonderfully scenic Straw Hill, where we’ll pass the alpacas at Bozedown Farm — always a highlight of the walk!
We’ll stop along the way for picnic lunches, so don’t forget to bring something to eat and plenty to drink.

Expect a lovely mix of riverbanks, woodland, country lanes and rolling hills, with plenty of fresh air, good company and beautiful countryside
throughout.

After the walk, there’ll be the option to enjoy a well-earned drink at The Greyhound Inn before heading back to the station.

Difficulty: Leisurely
Distance: 10.5km / 6.5mi
Type: circular

By public transport

From Reading take the 10:25 train arriving in Pangbourne at 10:33.
From Didcot take the 10.11 train arriving in Pangbourne at 10.26.

By car

Parking is available at the train station, charges apply (APCOA). You may find some free parking in some of the local side roads near the station.