West Berkshire & North Hampshire

In the current issue of Buzz you can read about a popular new book covering local walks in the Berkshire area, that start and finish at local pubs. Pub Walks in Berkshire by Nick Channer can be purchased from all good booksellers and online at www.countrysidebooks.co.uk. For a preview, Buzz are giving you two local walks from the book.

Hungerford walk (4 1/2 miles)

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With your back to the Downgate pub, look for the fingerpost and head diagonally across Hungerford Common, aiming for the right end of the tree line. Look for a well used path and continue towards the edge of the common. Make for the fingerpost by the road and cross over.

Head for a gateway at the far corner of the common, pass into the field and keep along the left boundary beside the trees. Cross over a track and continue along the edge of farmland. Follow the field edge until you come to a gate slightly to the left of the path. Continue in the same direction along the enclosed path, farther on passing to the right of a plantation. Keep ahead in the next field towards woodland and then at the road turn left.

Pass a turning to Templeton Stud on the right and then swing left to follow a restricted tarmac lane. Pass Victorian Slings Lodge and continue between the hedges. On reaching a gate, turn left and follow the road to a cattle-grid and kissing gate on the edge of Hungerford Common. Keep to the right-hand edge of the common, following a path parallel to the road.

When you reach the road, cross it by a footpath sign and keep to the right. Follow the path through the trees and emerge onto the common with the road to your right. Cross the grass verge to a road junction and walk ahead to return to the Downgate pub.

Aldermaston walk (4 miles)

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The Aldermaston walk starts at The Hind’s Head in Aldermaston Village and takes you through the tranquil Kennet Valley and into the scenic Aldermaston Wharf. Upon leaving the inn you turn left and cross the A340, taking the track to the right of the village shop. Keep to the stony track, known as Fisherman’s Lane, and over to the right you will see the tower of Aldermaston’s Church of St Mary the Virgin peeping over the trees. You can take a detour to the church by following the waymarked footpath on your right.

If not, continue along Fisherman’s Lane passed a brick cottage and up to a kissing gate next to a car park. Continue on to another kissing gate leading into a field. Head towards  the far corner and take the footbridge into another field. On your right, Padworth House can be seen on the hillside. Just over half way across the field, look for a footpath sign and bear left across a wooden footbridge. Go straight across the next field to a gate and then cross the Kennet. Follow the path alongside some wooden panel fencing and you will reach Padworth Mill. Continue along this path until you reach a junction and turn left.

You will pass entrances to various properties and eventually, on your right will be the entrance to Alder Bridge School. Follow the path to the junction with the Aldermaston Wharf lift bridge. Cross the road and take the towpath on the southern bank of the canal towards Aldermaston Lock. Pass the lock and the beautifully painted moored narrow boats. Eventually you will reach the road bridge where you go left passed a farm and follow the road to a junction. Turn right and pass the entrance of the Old Mill Hotel. Just passed the entrance, cross the road and turn left into a copse of poplar tress.

Follow the path down the bank and you will soon emerge onto a clear path across three fields to a stile. Turn right and return to Aldermaston Village via Fisherman’s Lane.