We are the Winchester Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Steven L.
This is a circular walk exploring the beautiful North Wessex Downs, starting and finishing in Ashmansworth. We walk through picturesque villages, open country and woods. Weather permitting, there should be fine views, especially in the afternoon when we walk along the escarpment above Inkpen and look out over the Kennet Valley to the Berkshire Downs and possibly the Chilterns.
We set off west from Ashmansworth towards he well-ordered village of Faccombe, continuing to Linkenholt for our morning break. From there it is mostly uphill as we follow the Test Way to its source at Combe Gibbet. The afternoon session will be easier even though it takes in the highest points in both Berkshire and Hampshire - we follow the start of the Wayfairer’s Walk along the ridge back to Ashmansworth.
This is a picnic walk. Please bring drinks and snacks for a morning break and a picnic lunch, according to your taste.
The walk crosses rolling countryside and there are frequent climbs and descents you would expect in such terrain. The climb before Faccombe is short and sharp and the climb up to Combe Gibbet is long but not so steep. There are plenty of other ups and downs. We walk mainly on paths and tracks, with short sections on quiet country lanes. Please bring walking poles, if you find them useful, on such terrain.
Please let the leader know you are coming as we may set off early, if all known walkers have arrived.
We meet in the centre of the village at the T junction where Cross Lane reaches the village. The main road through the village has plenty of on-road parking.
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