Description
This flat, easy walk weaves its way in & out of Berkshire and Hampshire. Its meandering course takes in expansive farmland views & tree-lined, ancient trackways just a stone’s throw from Reading. For a time, the border path follows the route of the old Roman Road from Silchester to London. Ominously, this is also known as the Devil’s Highway, so be sure to watch your step!
Walk Instructions
- At the main road turn left & walk down to the roundabout. Carefully cross over and follow the road on the right for not more than 100m, before taking the signed path on the LHS.
- At the next road turn right & walk towards the house. Just before the house take the path on the RHS. Follow this across the field until you reach a busy road. Sticking to the LHS, walk along this road for approx. 250m before crossing to a layby on the other side. Continue along the road for another 20m then take a footpath on the RHS. Cross a bridge enroute to a metal stile & railway crossing. Heed warnings about safety & only cross when clear.
- Walk straight across the field ahead under a pylon – the path may/not be visible. Aim for the house that will become visible to the left & go around the hedge onto the farm road. Continue straight ahead with the farm cottages on the LHS.
- Enter the yard of Great Park Farm and bend around to the left walking through the middle of their yard. Believe it or not, this farm used to be one of two royal stables in the locality during Tudor times. After the last barn on the RHS turn right & walk towards the open field. If the path is not visible aim slightly right of centre towards a copse, where the power cables turn a corner. In this field there are views to the LHS across to Reading.
- In the corner of this field there is a gateway, go through & follow the path diagonally to the right under more power lines. In the next field the OS map shows the path continuing its diagonal course, but in reality, the footpath hugs the left-hand edge all the way around to the No.6 on the map.
- At this point there is a gateway ahead & trees left & right with a path running through them like a secret tunnel. Follow the tunnel on the RHS to reach the road. Carefully cross this road to reach the Elm Tree Pub opposite.
- From the pub walk a short distance downhill, looking out for a path on the LHS along the edge of a concrete wall (before the speed limit sign). This path comes out into a field. Follow the edge of this field along 2 sides, first right along the hedge then left along the tree-lined bank. You will then come to a T-junction with a larger track. Turn right & follow this all the way to the road.
- At the road turn right & walk approx. 30m until you see a metal barrier across a field entrance on your left. Go under this barrier & walk along the LHS of the field. In the corner continue around the bend for approx. 100m, looking for a gap through the hedge & bridge across to the lane. Walk left along the lane for approx. 700m.
- Look out for where the road bends left, & a metalled track goes off right. Take the track & remain on it for quite a while. This is the old Roman Road and border path.
- At the junction with the road go straight ahead following the sign for Silchester & National Cycle Trail 23. After passing a house on the LHS follow the footpath sign that is in the RHS hedge.
- The path continues along the RHS of the hedge ahead. Go under the powerline & cross the railway bridge. Follow the path down to a stream, go through a kissing gate & turn right. Walk along the field edge until you reach a footbridge on the RHS.
- Cross the stream & continue following it, but this time with it on your LHS. Follow this path until you reach the church & road ahead. Turn right at the road & right again at the roundabout to return to the station.
Useful Link
The Elm Tree Pub, Beech Hill www.theelmtreebeechhill.co.uk. Opens 12 noon every day except Mon/Tues. Large area of outdoor seating.
Tel: 0118 988 3505
Start and End
Mortimer Station (SU672 641)
Distance
7.6 miles
Time
3 hours 15 walking time plus breaks
Grade
2/10 – very flat
Accessibility
Not push/wheelchair accessible
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