SWC Walk 260: Aldermaston to Woolhampton (via Frilsham)
Distance: 14.1 miles or 22.7 km for those more metrically minded (with longer (16.7 miles/26.9 km) and shorter (bus or SWC 117 which shares start and finish) options available)
Difficulty: 7 out of 10 (8 out of 10 for the longer option)
Train: Take the 9:32 AM Great Western train from London Paddington, changing at Reading (arrive 9:55; depart 10:12), arriving at Aldermaston at 10:25. Return trains (all requiring a change at Reading or Newbury) from Midgham (Woolhampton) are at 23 past the hour, except for a 19:26 and 19:27. Buy a day return to Midgham.
Traditionally, one of the highlights of this lovely walk was a fabulous lunch at the very remote Pot Kiln which specialised in local game. The pub has sadly changed hands/management and has been reincarnated as a Basque-themed destination. Some of us investigated the new version of this pub last year and found it enjoyable with tasty food in a stunning location -- but not quite the same as the prior game oriented extravaganza.
In addition to a destination pub, this long walk is very enjoyable at this time of year and explores the undulating territory of the West Berkshire Downs, part of the Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It includes ancient woodland, commons, including Bucklebury Common (the largest in SE England) and pretty villages. You can find more information about the walk and download the walk instructions here . For those preferring something shorter, SWC 117 shares the same start and finish – but has a completely different (and shorter) middle section.
The recommended lunch pub on the main walk is the Pot Kiln Inn (01635 201 366) in Frilsham (5.5 miles/9.6 km into the walk). Note that this is an Basque-themed foodie pub. I would recommend booking a table of you would like to eat here. There are some earlier and later lunch options mentioned in the walk instructions if this does not appeal.
Tea can be had at the very pleasant Rowbarge Inn near Midgham Station or if pressed for time the Angel pub passed in the village.
Enjoy the walk!
T=swc.260
2 comments:
Route across Bucklebury Common slightly amended after extensive restoration works. New files just uploaded.
N=1 off the train in what turned out to be a default silent walk. Partly cloudy, cool and occasionally windy day amid nice autumn colours breaking through. The Pot Kiln still going strong with its gastro menu.
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