We are the West Berkshire Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Neil L.
A circular walk of 11.7 miles of the floodplain and down land from Blewbury, to include the villages of Upton, West Hagbourne, East Hagbourne and South Moreton. An area known for its historic buildings, including many listed properties and thatched cob walls, and for its picturesque rural setting.
Starting at the car park on the western edge of Blewbury, the route initially proceeds north and east to South Moreton, the first of the villages, where we pause for a refreshments break at the parish church of Saint John the Baptist at Bethesda, with its Saxon doorway, standing on the former pilgrim route from the Downs to Dorchester. South Moreton is listed in The Domesday Book of 1086 , with no less than five manors, three of the five manor houses are still clearly identifiable. Continuing west, we pass through East Hagbourne and enjoy our packed lunch at the parish church of St Andrew, which may have been built in the 12th century. Post lunch, we continue west, passing through the villages of West Hagbourne and Upton, returning to Blewbury via the ascent from the village of Upton.
The ground surface is mostly farm tracks, extensively walked footpaths and field tracks. The ground is low lying in parts, where the underfoot conditions could consist of some muddy areas, as suggested by the local names "bourne" and "brook". Walking on wet exposed chalk and clay, can be difficult and slippery, those who favour walking poles may wish to bring them. Should the weather be clement there is the opportunity for views across to the surrounding down land of rural Oxfordshire.
There are no notable obstacles and hinderances worthy of mention. There are short lengths of public road involved.
Much of the route is exposed and open to unpredictable December weather.
The walk numbers are unlimited, but all participants are required to register using the link provided by 18:00 on Wednesday 10th December.
Public car park on the western edge of Blewbury. On the south side of the London Road, A417, off Bonham's Lane.
