A 20s and 30s Ramblers group.
Shannon
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A gentle stroll from Thatcham along the canal, into Bowdown Woods (where we hope to see plenty of bluebells) and back through Greenham Common.
Pace: gentle.
Booking is required for this walk, which is limited to 20 walkers.
Walk details
The walk will start as a nice easy stroll along the Kennet and Avon canal until we reach Bull’s lock. There we will cross the canal and head south towards Bowdown Farm.
We’ll walk up the hill towards the Bowdown Woods Nature Reserve: a beautiful ancient woodland with spectacular views; hidden valleys; and handsome bridges over winding streams and carpets of bluebells. We’ll loop around the top of the reserve – there will be a few ups and downs, but nothing strenuous. We'll stop to eat our packed lunches here.
Finally, we’ll head back down the hill and out onto Greenham Common. This is a pretty and open stretch of heathland, which used to host a RAF base through the Second World War and Cold War. We will follow the footpath around the common and then head north to re-join the canal path and return to the station.
Travel by public transport
If travelling from Reading, please catch the 10:12 Great Western Railway service from Reading, which calls at Reading West (10:14), Theale (10:19), Aldermaston (10:24), Midgham (10:27), and arrives into Thatcham at 10:31.
Return trains run approximately every 45 minutes, and if we have long to wait, we can call into the pub next to the station.
Travel by car
Parking is available at Thatcham station, charges may apply.
Advice
Dogs
Dogs welcome provided they are under control at all times and placed on a lead when requested by the walk leader.
Meet on the south side of the station.
