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Walking in the North Wessex Downs

30 walks exploring the AONB

30 walking routes exploring the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The routes are between 7 and 20km through this peaceful rolling chalk landscape and cover parts of four counties: Berkshire, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire, with walks to reach the highest point in each one.

Seasons

All year round: spring and early summer are best for wild flowers, butterflies and birds; in autumn the trees are splashed in golden-brown autumnal colours, while a frosty winter's day can give impressive clear views.

Centres

Marlborough, Lambourn, Great Bedwyn, Dorchester on Thames, Hungerford, Pewsey, Kingsclere The walks are also accessible from the following towns outside of the area: Didcot, Wantage, Swindon, Calne, Devizes, Andover, Basingstoke, Newbury and Reading.

Difficulty

Walks to suit most ages and abilities, with no difficulties apart from some short steep uphill and downhill sections. Can be muddy in winter.

Must See

Panoramic views; the highest points in Berkshire, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire; the rivers Thames, Kennet, Pang and Lambourn; picturesque villages with thatched cottages, historic churches and cosy pubs Prehistoric sites: Avebury, the Uffington White Horse, Neolithic and Bronze Age long barrows and Iron Age hill forts
ISBN
9781786311108
Availability
Published
Published
15 Nov 2021
Edition
Second
Pages
192
Size
17.20 x 11.60 x 1.35cm
Weight
240g
Overview

A guidebook to 30 circular walks in the North Wessex Downs National Landscape. Exploring the beautiful scenery of Berkshire, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire the walks are suitable for all abilities, from gentle strolls to more strenuous and demanding walks.

The walks range in length from 6 to 21 km (4–13 miles) and can be enjoyed in 2–6 hours. Many of the walks follow parts of the ancient Ridgeway National Trail and the Kennet and Avon Canal.

  • 1:50,000 OS maps reproduced at 1:40,000 for greater clarity
  • GPX files available to download
  • Detailed information on refreshment and transport options for each walk
  • Easy access from Swindon, Reading and Basingstoke
  • Highlights include the Uffington White horse and Avebury

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Steve Davison Cicerone author SDAVISON

By Steve Davison

Steve Davison is a writer and photographer who has written a number of books, including several guidebooks published by Cicerone. He has also written articles for a range of outdoor magazines and other publications. A keen hill walker for most of his life, with interests in nature, geology and the countryside, Steve is a qualified Mountain Leader and has also previously worked as a part-time outdoor education instructor. He is a member of the Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild. Find out more about him at www.stevedavison.co.uk. 

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