SWC Walk 260: Aldermaston to Woolhampton (via Frilsham) t=swc.260
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) from Midgham (Woolhampton) are at 22 past the hour. 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. I thought this worth an exploration!
In addition to a good lunch (hopefully), the walk 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 upmarket Basque-themed foodie pub. I have booked a table (for six) at 1pm in their outside area. 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 (and lunch)!
1 comment:
13 alighted from the designated train to be joined by another minutes later off a train from Midgham (having parked his car at the end of the walk), making for n=14 in total on this walk of 2 tales. One tale was a w=warm-and-sunny walk, as the Met Office perfectly predicted. In fact, it was so warm and sunny about half the group enjoyed lunch al fresco at the Pot Kiln basking in the late autumn sun on the terrace. The other tale being one of thoroughly saturated ground conditions from overnight rain, making it slippery and slidey and very wet under foot. One skipped lunch and set off on the extension while the rest stopped for drinks and/or lunch at the newly refitted Pot Kiln.... Having been a real fan of the prior incarnation of this lovely remote pub, I did find the new Basque-themed version did not quite measure up to its predecessor -- but it is early days and well worth watching. Three of us shared the fish stew and a collection of tapas which were all very good and I think a great way to sample the tasty offerings. Several others tried various of the tapas and puddings -- mostly with positive feedback....The one main complaint being that most of the main dishes are designed to share with 2 (or 3 as we did)....It would be nice if they had some main dish offerings for 1 person. Back in Midgham, most caught the 18:22 -- but 5 lingered over their post walk drinks and caught the 19:25. A beautiful autumn day out in great company!
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