We are the Berkshire Weekend Walkers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
This is a 12 mile circular walk in the beautiful North Wessex Downs AONB.
Parking is free at the large West Illsley Ridgeway car park and is very easy to find just off the A34.
We will start the walk at 10.30 and aim to walk at a comfortable but brisk pace because of the distance. However, the sweeping downland views will lead to many photo opportunities along the way and allow all of us to pause.
Initially we will be on the actual Ridgeway Path and go under the A34 before heading north east in the direction of Blewbury. We will see several small ancient tumuli, more commonly know as burial mounds, and walk in parallel to the old dismantled Eling railway. Throughout the walk we will pass horse racing gallops and may even be lucky enough to glimpse some race horses.
Briefly we join the Ridgeway Path again before dipping down to the village of Compton. We will skirt the edge of this village and walk behind the site of the once famous Pirbright Institute for Animal Health which was a major research facility focused on livestock viruses and zoonotic diseases.
After a short climb back up to The Ridgeway we will take a break for a well earned lunch and enjoy the far reaching views. Then we have a lovely downhill section which takes us to East Illsley where we will be able to have a post lunch coffee or something stronger at The Crown and Horns pub.
The final stretch heads up to The Ridgeway and after a short duration, back to the car park.
Please bring snacks and lunch as usual and plenty to drink.
In places the route is very exposed so please dress according to the weather.
The car park can be found just off the A34 at the junction after the East Illsley turn off. Take the first exit at the roundabout on to Bury Lane where you will find the car park within half a mile. Contact Anne 07913067885 or Hazel 07771926981
