Chieveley 9 mile circular walk

This is a 9.5-10 mile circular walk starting at 10.30am at the car park of The Crab and Boar pub, just outside Chieveley on the B4494. 
Most of the walk is on footpaths and By-ways with a couple of short stretches on quiet country roads. There will inevitably be some mud and slippery surfaces but on the whole it is not a waterlogged route. The route has very little elevation but because of the distance we would grade it as moderate.

We will set off north from the pub car park and head towards Chapel Farm which is a substantial farm with a history dating back to Medieval times and had links with the Church at Hill Farm.

We will skirt around the edge of Peasemore before heading towards the small hamlet of Stanmore where there is a British Model Flying Association site. After a short spell we will reach our lunch spot at St Nicholas' Church, Beedon. Hopefully we should be able to have a peek inside the church. Much of the interior of St Nicholas suffered during the First Battle of Newbury in the Civil War when Cromwell's men used the church as a hospital, stable, and, after the battle, as a gaol for Royalist soldiers.

After lunch we'll head to Beedon Common via footpaths with some beautiful countryside vistas. With the houses on the edge of Chieveley to our left we will then turn west towards Hazelhanger Farm. We then have a short walk back to The Crab ready for a quick drink for those who would like to revive themselves.

The Crab and Boar pub has agreed that we can park considerately in their car park but we have promised that people will car share where possible.

Please bring snacks, water and lunch as usual. Contact Anne on 07913067885 for any further information.