Walking in the North Wessex Downs
30 walks exploring the AONB
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.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
Printed book
A guidebook with detailed route descriptions, stage breakdowns, accommodation listings, profiles and maps - everything you need on the trail.
ISBN
9781786311108
Availability
Published
Published
15 Nov 2021
Edition
Second
Pages
192
Size
17.20 x 11.60 x 1.35cm
Weight
240g
eBook
The complete digital edition of the guidebook, with full route descriptions, accommodation listings, profiles and maps, ready to use on any device.
Overview map
Map key
Introduction
Geology
Brief history
Plants and wildlife
Where to stay
Getting around
Food and drink
Long-distance routes
Maps
Walking in the North Wessex Downs
Waymarking, access and rights of way
Protecting the countryside
Using this guide
Berkshire Downs East
Walk 1 Chapel Row, Bucklebury and Stanford Dingley
Walk 2 Ashampstead and Yattendon
Walk 3 Aldworth
Walk 4 Shillingford, Wittenham Clumps and Dorchester on Thames
Walk 5 Blewbury and the Astons
Lambourn Downs
Walk 6 West Ilsley and Farnborough
Walk 7 Ardington and the Hendreds
Walk 8 Great Shefford, Chaddleworth and East Garston
Walk 9 Lambourn and Eastbury
Walk 10 The Ridgeway and the Letcombe villages
Walk 11 Compton Beauchamp, Woolstone and the Uffington White Horse
Walk 12 Ashbury and Bishopstone
Marlborough Downs
Walk 13 Ramsbury and Littlecote
Walk 14 Mildenhall and the River Kennet
Walk 15 Marlborough and Savernake Forest
Walk 16 Ogbourne St Andrew, Rockley and Barbury Castle
Walk 17 Fyfield Down and the Devil’s Den
Walk 18 Avebury
Vale of Pewsey
Walk 19 Cherhill and Oldbury Castle
Walk 20 Heddington, Oliver’s Castle, Roundway Down and Morgan’s Hill
Walk 21 Alton Barnes and the Wansdyke
Walk 22 Knap Hill and Oare
Walk 23 Martinsell Hill and Wootton Rivers
Walk 24 Great Bedwyn and Wilton
North Hampshire Downs
Walk 25 Tidcombe and Hippenscombe Bottom
Walk 26 Inkpen and Walbury Hill
Walk 27 Ashmansworth and Faccombe
Walk 28 St Mary Bourne and the Bourne Valley
Walk 29 Ecchinswell and Ladle Hill
Walk 30 Kingsclere and Hannington
Appendix A Route summary table
Appendix B Useful contacts
Appendix C Further reading
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
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