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, almost a figure of eight, from the Ridgeway at Hackpen Hill. The route proceeds north east for a short stretch along the Ridgeway before striking north west towards and through Broad Hinton. We climb towards the chalk escarpment and Binknoll Castle, the site of a possible Iron Age hillfort, which lies on the end of a triangular promontory on the escarpment of the White Horse Trail.
Several sections of the walk follow the White Horse Trail and provide opportunities to note the white horse figures (somewhat distant) of Broad Town and Hackpen Hill. The first chalk figure is a white horse measuring some 86ft by 61ft, situated on the hill to the east of the village of Broad Town. The figure was completed in 1863 by a local farmer. Later we should sight the second 'Horse' but very much at a distance, which measures 90ft by 90ft on the north facing slope of Hackpen Hill. This white horse was carved in 1838 by Henry Eatwell, who was the parish clerk of Broad Hinton and Winterbourne Bassett, essentially to commemorate the Coronation of Queen Victoria.
The route itself is typical of the chalk downlands and could / should provide excellent views across the Wiltshire Downs Karst landscape. There is however little by way of shelter cover from rain or sun and participants need to be suitably equipped.
There will be a coffee break (other drinks may be consumed) mid morning in a rustic setting and lunch will be taken in the village of Broad Hinton.
The ground conditions have improved greatly and the walking will be on mostly firm ground. Whilst the route does follow field tracks and farm tracks, there will inevitably be some areas with standing water, a consequence of the combination of springs running off the chalk and the clay in the valley. There are some sections of rural road walking, mostly in the villages themselves.
There is always the potential for rain and the route is exposed, please equip accordingly, and bring adequate food and drink for the day.
Livestock, sheep and horses, are likely to be present on the day.
The walk is restricted to 16 persons, please register via the link below by 6pm on Wednesday 28th May.
Small car park on the Ridgeway, to the north of the Marlborough - Broad Hinton road. Please car share if possible.
