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Walking in the North Wessex Downs

30 walks exploring the AONB

ISBN

9781786311108

Availability

Published

15 Nov 2021

Edition

Second

Pages

192

Size

17.20 x 11.60 x 1.35cm

Weight

240g

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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

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

Table of Contents

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

Updates

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Downloads

Walking in the North Wessex Downs - GPX File

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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