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Berkshire Walkers (Group)

A 20s and 30s Ramblers group.

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Overview

From Thatcham station we head for our loop around Greenham Common to soak in the history that surrounds the common. From open common to airfield and back to common land. This walk will give you chance to walk around the common and see the cows which graze. With the opportunity to stop at the café in the control tower.

Advance booking is not required, but if you plan on attending this walk, please indicate this on Meetup if you can (see Website link), so others can see that there will be plenty of people going.

Pace: gentle.

Saturday, 9 September 2023
Start time:
10:35 am
Estimated finish time:
2:30 pm
Difficulty:
Leisurely
Distance:
13.7km / 8.5mi
Ascent:
N/A
Type:
circular

Walk details

The walk will start from Thatcham station with us heading off out along the Kennet and Avon Canal. We will meet in the station car park which is on the canal side of the station. We will cross the canal at Monkey Marsh Bridge and start making our way up to Greenham Common.

Once we arrive onto the Common we will start our walk around the Common, you will be getting the chance to see where the old runway used to be. We might be able to see some of the local farmers‘ cows grazing. As we continue with our plod we will see the old missile silos coming into sight. The missile silos have been featured in many different films – can you name any films you have seen them in?

We head off into the woods through Drayton's Gully and back onto the main paths of the common.

We will get our chance to stop at the airfield’s control tower cafe for a tea and cake. We may get chance to go up to the top of the tower to get a full view of the common as it would have been seen when the planes were landing.

After the cafe stop we start heading back towards the start. We join back up with the Canal and finish off back at the train station.

Travel details

By public transport

If you are coming from Reading catch the 10.12am train which arrives at Thatcham station at 10.31am. If you are coming from Newbury catch the 10.15am train which arrives at 10.21am.

By car

The train station has a car park – fees payable. Make sure you have downloaded and setup the APCOA parking app as the station doesn't have any parking machines – you have to use the app.

Notes

  • Please bring a packed lunch and a drink.
  • It might be muddy – please wear suitable footwear.
  • Please feel free to contact the leader with queries about the walk, or if you are delayed on the day.

Features

  • Refreshments available (Pub/cafe)
  • Accessible by public transport
  • Car parking available

Starting point

Grid reference:
SU 52750 66350
Nearest postcode:
RG19 4PP
what3words:
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Start time:
10:35 am

Thatcham Train Station

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking