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Our Programme of Walks and Events

Our programme of walks and social events is regularly updated. New items are often added, but occasionally existing items have to be changed, so please check before travelling.

Our group has been walking since July 2012 and we've been to all sorts of places in and around Berkshire. Take a look at our Scrapbook to see where we've been so far.

Walks
Our walks are mostly planned and led by volunteers from within our group, but we also have joint walks with our neighbouring Ramblers groups. The walks are open to all members of the Ramblers and to anyone interested in joining our group.
Note: The Ramblers website has a Walk Finder Page where you can find other walks in your area.
Social Events
Our social events are mostly organised by volunteers from within the group and are open to members of the Berkshire Weekend Walkers and to anyone considering joining the group.
Holidays
Our walking holidays are mostly planned and led by volunteers from within our group, but we sometimes use Ramblers approved holiday companies. The holidays led by our group are open to members of other Ramblers groups, but where numbers are limited, priority will be given to members of our own group. (Obviously the holidays run by holiday companies are open to anyone.)
Sat Nav
Map references are given as a post code and as Latitude/Longitude co-ordinates. Ordnance Survey Landranger map references for the start point of walks are also provided for the more traditional map reader.
Please be aware that post codes in the countryside may cover a large area and your Sat Nav device will assume the centre of that area, which may not be where we are!

October 2025

Note: The details of the walks/events that have already taken place are hidden. Click on the heading of an event to show and hide its details.

Saturday 4th October: 8 Mile Walk (moderate)
Chobham Common

Meeting Point: Roundabout car park, Chobham Road
Post Code: GU24 8TL (Click to see the location on Bing Maps and use their route planner.)
Lat/Long: N51.3751°, W0.6155° (Click to see on Google Maps and use their route planner.)
OS Map: SU964649 (Click to see location on an Ordnance Survey map on Streetmap.co.uk)
What3Words: ///scouts.dairy.bliss (Click to see the location on What3Words)

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the first walk I led for the Ramblers, this is as near a repeat as I can manage of that walk.

Meet for a 10:30 start at the car park, Roundabout car park, Chobham Road. The car park entrance is on the B383, just north of the roundabout at the junction with the B386.

The walk is an 8 mile circular walk through the woods and heathland that form Chobham Common.

Bring a packed lunch for the lunch stop approximately half way round.

Leader: Neil F. 0793 225 8788

Sunday 5th October: 6 Mile Walk (easy)
Beech Hill and Stratfield Mortimer
- followed (optionally) by a Pub Lunch

Meeting Point: Outside the Elm Tree pub, Beech Hill, West Berks.
Post Code: RG7 2AZ (Click to see the location on Bing Maps and use their route planner.)
Lat/Long: N51.3712°, W1.0038° (Click to see on Google Maps and use their route planner.)
OS Map: SU694640 (Click to see location on an Ordnance Survey map on Streetmap.co.uk)
What3Words: ///books.flashing.homeward (Click to see the location on What3Words)

Meet for a 9:50 start outside the Elm Tree pub. There is roadside parking on the Triangle opposite the pub. (If you are booked on the meal you have permission to use the pub car park early. If you are just doing the walk, please use roadside parking.)

Circular walk from the village of Beech Hill located in the south-east district of West Berkshire, close to the border with Hampshire. With views of the countryside around Beech Hill, Stratfield Saye and Wokefield, and walking along the Devils Highway on a mostly level route with just two or three gentle ascents, we follow marked pathways and fields, and through a farm. There are three short road sections, some gates, one stile and rail level crossing.

There is an option to have lunch at the pub afterwards. A table of 12 has been reserved for 12:30 and requires booking your place and menu choice. Individual payment is on the day, please note a 12.5% service charge is added pp. See their menu.
Please contact committee member Ann Ward: holiday@berksww.org.uk The deadline for booking is Monday 29th September.

Leader: Kathy 07794 406 438

Thursday Evening 9th October:
Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour (2025 Blue Programme)
- joint social event with the Berkshire Walkers

Meeting Point: The Hexagon, Queens Walk, Reading
Post Code: RG1 7QF (Click to see the location on Bing Maps and use their route planner.)
Lat/Long: N51.4539°, W0.9774° (Click to see on Google Maps and use their route planner.)

Following our successful social to watch the "red" programme back in February, here is another evening of adventure films to inspire the more adventurous among us, and enthral and entertain the rest, as the Banff Mountain Film Festival brings its "blue" programme to us in Reading.

Ranging from 6 to 44 minutes in length, they cover all kinds of activities including skiing, rock climbing, ultra-running and mountain rescue – expect some astounding and inspiring stories of the challenges faced in these adventures, as well as some fantastic scenery and cinematography. A regular event on the BW social calendar for some time, as with the last few we're again offering it as a joint social between the Berkshire Walkers and Berkshire Weekend Walkers!

Please let the organiser know by email by Friday 12th September if you'd like to come, so that we can book tickets together. Payment will also be required at this point via the BW account, with details being provided when you sign up. There may well be tickets available nearer the time to book yourself, but you might not be able to sit near the rest of the group, and you'll miss out on the group discount.

Tickets will be £16.50 each, provided there are at least six of us going.

For anyone who's interested, there will probably be the opportunity to join for drinks and/or food beforehand, most likely at Blue Collar Corner – to be confirmed nearer the time.

Organiser: Zak 07810 896 288 or zak(at)berkshirewalkers.co.uk

(Please replace the (at) with an @ in the email address above.)

Sunday 12th October: 8½ Mile Walk (moderate)
Ecchinswell, Sydmonton and Ladle Hill

Meeting Point: Memorial Cross, Ecchinswell, Newbury
Post Code: RG20 4UB (Click to see the location on Bing Maps and use their route planner.)
Lat/Long: N51.3346°, W1.2832° (Click to see on Google Maps and use their route planner.)
OS Map: SU500597 (Click to see location on an Ordnance Survey map on Streetmap.co.uk)
What3Words: ///chapels.toads.fruity (Click to see the location on What3Words)

A picturesque 8.7 mile walk from the village of Ecchinswell in the neighbouring county of Hampshire. The route takes us in a figure of eight through the rolling countryside south and southwest of the village. It is graded moderate on the basis of the length of the walk and the inclusion of a series of longish steady climbs, most notably that up on to the Downs and on to the Wayfarer's Walk.

The walk starts at 10:30 from the War Memorial immediately opposite the entrance to the village hall. Parking is somewhat limited, and we kindly ask you to consider car share where possible. Depending on footfall associated with Sunday football fixtures and the weekly church service, there is a good amount of parking at the village hall. There is also on-street parking between the village hall and the Royal Oak public house, and beyond down to the small cemetery. Parking is also possible on White Hill, a housing cul-de-sac opposite the cemetery. Perhaps consider arriving a bit earlier just in case you need to park a bit further away from the start.

The first part of the walk loops south of the village through farmland and a pretty valley of Nuthanger Farm. Boasting fine views of Watership Down, it is believed to be the countryside that inspired the novel of the same name by Richard Adams about a group of rabbits forced to move after the destruction of their warren. Descending from Nuthanger Hill we are also afforded fine views to the north across the Kennet Valley.

Leaving the edge of the village of Ecchinswell for a second time, we enter Sydmonton Park Estate owned by composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and equestrian entrepreneur Madeleine Gurdon. The walk initially takes us through the stables and schooling area of Watership Down Stud, well known for breeding thoroughbred race horses, then along farm tracks across the estate.

The walk next takes us up onto the Downs. After a lengthy uphill stretch we reach Ladle Hill. Emerging from a wooded path we are greeted with breathtaking views across to Beacon Hill and the Highclere Estate. Continuing along the Wayfarers Way we pass an Iron Age hillfort and a series of dew ponds, before arriving at our lunch spot on the side of a pretty valley.

After our lunch we descend off the Downs and pass through Sydmonton Court close to the Grade I listed building. The walk passes through the parkland around the stately home and back out into the countryside of the wider estate, past a row of tithe cottage's on our way back to Ecchinswell. Our final approach brings us in past the playing fields to the village hall.

Having worked up a thirst there will be an opportunity for a social drink at the Royal Oak public house afterwards.

As usual, please bring a packed lunch, snacks and plenty to drink.

Leaders: Simon and Becky 07584 199197

Saturday 18th October to Saturday 25th October:
Walking Holiday in North Cornwall

Following several enjoyable BWW walking holidays in Cornwall, we are planning a return visit to Port Isaac in North Cornwall in 2025; this is the village in which the television series Doc Martin was filmed.

A reservation has been made on a large house from Saturday 18th – 25th October 2025. The house has six bedrooms (two doubles, three twins and one single), all of which are en-suite. Here's a link for more details about the house: https://www.classic.co.uk/holiday-cottage/desc-2305.html

As with other similar BWW weeks away, the plan will be to do four days of organised walking, with two days free for exploring the local area by yourself. The programme of walks will be a mix of coastal and inland routes of approximately 6 – 8 miles in length, with the option of extending these for those that would like to.

As the house is self-catering, the model used for some of our previous trips has a track record for working very well. Each person contributes to a food kitty, which usually covers the cost of breakfast and pack lunch provisions and the evening meal each night. For the evening meal, the cooking is shared between us, working in pairs to provide one main course and one desert during the week. Those not comfortable with cooking can opt to help with the washing up instead.

Cost:
Single room: £175 (this room has restricted height)
Double room: £360 (i.e. £180 per person sharing)
Double room with sea view: £440 (i.e. £220 per person sharing)
2 x Twin Rooms: £300 (i.e. £150 per person sharing)
Twin Room with sea view: £380 (i.e. £190 per person sharing)

In addition, the estimated cost for the food kitty and car parking for the week is £85 per person.

Places will be reserved on a first come, first served basis and assuming there are eleven people sharing the house, a deposit of £62 per person will be required by Saturday 17th August 2024. The remaining balance would need to be paid two months before the holiday starts.

This holiday is now fully booked. You could join the reserve list, in case someone cancels their place on the holiday.

Organiser: Sue B. 07899 916 748 or seblack.viola(at)gmail.com

(Please replace the (at) with an @ in the email address above.)

Sunday 19th October: 7½ Mile Walk (moderate)
Bucklebury and Frilsham

Meeting Point: Layby by Angels Corner Scout Campsite, Broad Lane, Bucklebury
Post Code: RG7 6RY (Click to see the location on Bing Maps and use their route planner.)
Lat/Long: N51.4158°, W1.2103° (Click to see on Google Maps and use their route planner.)
OS Map: SU550688 (Click to see location on an Ordnance Survey map on Streetmap.co.uk)
What3Words: ///spent.foot.continues (Click to see the location on What3Words)

Meet for a 10.30 start in the layby by Angels Corner Scout Campsite. Look out for my blue car which I will park at the top of the layby.

We start the walk going through Bucklebury Common and work our way through Standford Dingley up to The Pot Kiln, a charming country pub in Frilsham. This is about halfway through the walk. We are allowed to have our lunch on the picnic benches outside if we buy a drink. We then work our way back down a different route. Past the side of Bucklebury Farm park where we may see some of their deer herd and through St. Mary Church, Bucklebury.

The paths are variable through woodland, heathland and fields, and there are some some sections of road on the way back. It is largley flat and even but can become muddy after heavy rain. There are a few steeper paths but we are rewarded with wonderful views across the surrounding countryside. Hopefully we will time it right to see the Autumn colours.

Please bring a packed lunch as usual and plenty of water.

Leaders: Alison 07721 859792, and Hazel 07771 926981

November 2025

Sunday 2nd November: 7¼ Mile Walk (moderate)
Henley-on-Thames and Hambleden

Meeting Point: Outside Henley railway station, Station Road, Henley-on-Thames
Post Code: RG9 1AY (Click to see the location on Bing Maps and use their route planner.)
Lat/Long: N51.5342°, W0.9005° (Click to see on Google Maps and use their route planner.)
OS Map: SU763822 (Click to see location on an Ordnance Survey map on Streetmap.co.uk)
What3Words: ///provoking.sectors.sings (Click to see the location on What3Words)

Meet outside Henley-on-Thames train station for a 9:30 start. Pay and display car park available at the station (£3 for 4 hours) or please park considerately in nearby residential roads. Train from Twyford arrives at 09:27.

The walk begins by crossing the Thames and heading up through Remenham Wood and across fields to Aston before descending to re-cross the river at Mill End. It then continues through the valley to Hambleden, where we will have a quick drink and snack break. The route then climbs up through Ridge Wood, descends to the river again and follows the riverside path back to Henley.

Due to the earlier start, there will be no lunch stop. You can of course enjoy the many pubs, cafes and shops in Henley at the end of the walk. Please bring a snack and refreshment.

New and prospective members are always welcome to come and find out what we're about.

Leader: Jane K 07881 805 156

Sunday 16th November: 10 Mile Walk (moderate)
Enbourne, Hampstead Marshall and Speen Moors

Meeting Point: Northcroft Leisure Centre, Northcroft Lane, Newbury
Post Code: RG14 1RS (Click to see the location on Bing Maps and use their route planner.)
Lat/Long: N51.4037°, W1.3321° (Click to see on Google Maps and use their route planner.)
OS Map: SU465673 (Click to see location on an Ordnance Survey map on Streetmap.co.uk)
What3Words: ///ship.reason.tube (Click to see the location on What3Words)

Details to follow...

Leaders: Anne and Hazel

Saturday 22nd November:
BWW Annual General Meeting

Meeting Point: Arborfield Village Hall, Arborfield Cross
Post Code: RG2 9PQ (Click to see the location on Bing Maps and use their route planner.)
Lat/Long: N51.3958°, W0.9059° (Click to see on Google Maps and use their route planner.)

This is your yearly opportunity to influence how our walking group is run.

Now that we are constituted, all our members get the chance to vote for who they want in our committee - and you even stand for election yourself! Sometime in October, we will send out more information about what each committee role entails and how to put yourself forward as a candidate for one or more of these roles.

Then we will publish the list of candidates for each role. At the AGM, you can vote for your preferred candidate for each role. An online voting form will be set up beforehand, for those unable to attend the AGM.

This year we will he holding our AGM at Arborfield Village Hall. The hall has a car park, which will be available from 10:30 onward (not before, as the hall is being used for another function before us). The Leopard 3 bus service from Reading stops outside The Swan in Arborfield at 10:38 (or at 10:53 if you miss the previous bus).

The day will start at 11:00 with a 5-6 mile walk around the area. After the walk there will be tea, coffee and soft drinks available in the hall, along with a selection of cakes and biscuits. The AGM itself will start at 2pm or soon after. More details will be published nearer the time.

Saturday 29th November:
Berkshire Area Annual General Meeting

Meeting Point: Pangbourne Village Hall, Station Road, Pangbourne
Post Code: RG8 7AN (Click to see the location on Bing Maps and use their route planner.)
Lat/Long: N51.4839°, W1.0885° (Click to see on Google Maps and use their route planner.)

This is the AGM for the Berkshire Area, which is jointly hosted by the Berkshire Walkers and us this year. (Our own AGM will be held on Saturday 22nd November.)

This year, the Area AGM will be held at Pangbourne Village Hall.

Details to follow...

Updates to Details

Please note that walks, social events and holidays may be added to this programme at any time. Also we occasionally have to make changes to an item that is already on the programme. If you have printed out this programme, please be aware that it may have changed since you printed it.


Booking of Social Events

Please remember that our social events are organised by volunteers, so your co-operation is greatly appreciated. For some events the organisers need to know in advance who is going so they can make the necessary bookings etc. If you wish to attend a social event that specifies a deadline then please contact the organiser before the deadline otherwise you will be putting them to extra trouble and it may not be possible to change the booking anyway.

If there are still some spare places on an event after the specified deadline has passed, a bulletin will be sent out, otherwise you must assume you are too late. (Please don't try to sneak in by contacting the venue and changing the booking without the organisers knowledge or consent!)

Also, if you are booked on an event and then find you are unable to make it after all, please let the organiser know so that they don't wait around for you, and as they may be able to offer the place to someone else.

Thank you very much for your co-operation.