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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

This undulating downland walk starts from Bury Down on the Ridgeway. Our route will follow the Ridgeway in a south-easterly direction under the A34, before branching off to East Ilsley, where we'll pause by the duck pond for elevenses. We'll then make our way up through the churchyard and the upper part of the village, before passing under the A34 again and heading west below Yew Tree Hill and Windmill Down. The final part of the walk will then take us north past Hodcott House and round the edge of West Ilsley before the gentle ascent over Folly Down back to the Ridgeway, where we briefly retrace our steps to the start. There are a number of ups and downs, but nothing steep, and no stiles. There will be beautiful views from the higher stretches of the walk.

Tuesday, 27 May 2025
Start time:
10:00 am
Estimated finish time:
1:15 pm
Difficulty:
Moderate
Distance:
11.3km / 7.0mi
Ascent:
157m / 515ft
Type:
circular

If the current dry weather continues, the tracks and paths we'll use should be dry and free of mud, but please be aware of the weather forecast on the day and wear appropriate clothing, as much of the route is exposed to the elements. Please bring refreshments for the mid-walk break and book online if you want to join us, via the website link, before 6.00 pm on Monday 26 May.

Features

  • Car parking available
  • No Stiles

Starting point

Grid reference:
SU 47955 84038
Nearest postcode:
RG20 7AZ
what3words:
breakfast.shorts.unearthly
Start time:
10:00 am

Please park on the Ridgeway at Bury Down. There are parking areas on either side of Bury Lane, but we shall be starting from the one on the left as you approach from the A34.

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