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West Berkshire Group

We are the West Berkshire Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.

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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

Overview

A circular 12 mile walk from Snelsmore Common car park, to include familiar (but not recently visited) highlights to the north west of Newbury.

Meeting in front of the SNUGG café (and toilet) at the entrance to the car park, the route will commence to the south towards Bagnor, best known as home to The Watermill Theatre and the River Lambourn, before turning towards Woodspeen.

From here, we will climb towards Mount Hill and Boxford Common,, crossing over the Winterbourne Road on our way to Borough Hill and eventually over the M4, to Pope's Wood. Bearing east from Pope's Wood we will pass through North Heath and Chieveley, before heading south and our lunch stop.

Leaving Chieveley, the route continues south to re-cross the M4 on our way to the village of Winterbourne. Beyond Winterbourne, we will re-enter the Snelsmore Country Park to return to our vehicles in the car park.

Thursday, 3 July 2025
Start time:
9:30 am
Estimated finish time:
2:45 pm
Difficulty:
Moderate
Distance:
19.3km / 12.0mi
Ascent:
259.1m / 850ft
Type:
circular

Sections of the walk have a reputation for remaining wet underfoot even in the summer months and the route can be exposed to sun and rain (probably both on the same day). Please consider these factors and wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

There is the occasional stile/wooden footbridge, which will require care to cross. There is however only a little road walking, only very light traffic is anticipated. Given that the walk does pass through wooded areas trees roots and other such hazards can be expected.

Bring sufficient food and drink for the day. Please note that the café (and toilet) are advertised as open from 9:30am and closing at 16:00, should anyone wish to enjoy a coffee (other drinks are available) post walk.

Limited to 20, please book online, using the link, by 6pm Wednesday, 2nd July 2025.

 

Features

  • Refreshments available (Pub/cafe)
  • Toilets available
  • Car parking available

Starting point

Grid reference:
SU 46380 71007
Nearest postcode:
RG14 3BH
what3words:
alarmed.frown.customers
Start time:
9:30 am

Snelsmore Country Park car park. There is extensive parking available and the meeting point is in front of the café / toilet area.

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