We are the West Berkshire Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Richard M.
This walk starts from Pangbourne Recreation Ground car park. We cross the river via the toll bridge and climb gradually through the village of Whitchurch-on-Thames, which has many attractive buildings and a church that is part of St Frideswide's Way, a new pilgrimage path from Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford to Reading Abbey that is part of the Camino Ingles. At the top of the village we turn onto the Thames Path and follow this in a north-westerly direction as far as Hartslock Nature Reserve, at the top of which we pause for elevenses and admire the view up the Thames Valley to Goring Gap. From here we wend our way back past Coombe End Farm and Beech Farm, before descending through Whitchurch and re-crossing the Thames into Pangbourne.
There are two or three shortish climbs, but much of the route is fairly flat. There are no stiles. Conditions underfoot shouldn't be too bad, but a lot will depend on the weather at the time. Please wear appropriate clothing for the prevailing conditions and bring refreshments for the short mid-walk break. There is no limit on numbers, but please book online if you'd like to take part in this walk.
Please park in the Recreation Ground car park, which is accessed from Thames Avenue, the first right off Whitchurch Road after the railway bridge. Follow Thames Avenue to the T-junction, then turn left and almost immediately right down a narrow lane that opens out into the car park. Please car-share if possible. If the car park is full, an alternative is the pay-and-display River Meadow car park, RG8 7DA, a little further along Whitchurch Road, on the right by the Dolphin Centre (£2 for up to 4 hours).
