THE
WALK
Distance: 4.75
miles
Grid reference at start: SU414654
Time: 2-2.5 hours
Going: Easy
Parking: Park sensibly on the road in Hamstead Marshall
and there are several car parks in Newbury.
BBC
BERKSHIRE WALKING AND SAFETY
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From
Hamstead Marshall, take the bridleway on the right hand side as
you come out of Hamstead Marshall after the White Hart Inn pub.
This
takes you through the farmyard of Elm Farm Research centre, and
then between two fields.
When
you reach the road which is Park Lane, take the footpath ahead and
to your left.
Continue
following the path up the hill, over a stile and through another
field.
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| Stile
leading into Hamstead Park |
You'll
pass two huge stone pillars in the middle of the field, continue
following the main footpath.
When
you come to the end of this field, which was overgrown with a crop
of sweetcorn when we walked it in August 2002, you will come to
a stile.
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| This
old church is deep in the grounds of Hamstead Park |
Cross
it and bear right, following the footpath signs.
This
path takes you through the private Hamstead Park estate.
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| You'll
see this house as you approach the road |
When
you reach the tarmac road running through the park, turn left and
you'll see a cattle grid with a gate to its right.
Go
out through this gate and right onto the public road.
Follow
this road over a small bridge crossing the canal, and follow the
footpath sign on the right to Newbury.
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| Follow
the footpath sign to Newbury |
This
takes you onto the canal towpath.
You'll
pass the weir and Guyers Lock.
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| You'll
pass many locks on this walk |
Follow
the towpath which takes you across a bridge crossing the canal,
and back onto the path heading to Newbury.
Stay on
the towpath which takes you into Newbury.
Once
you get into Newbury, look out for Victoria Park on the left.
This
is where you finish this part of the walk.
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| This
is the view of Newbury as you leave the towpath |
If
you reach the ringroad, you've gone too far.
You've
completed
Part Four of the Berkshire Way
Well
Done!
Berkshire
Way Part Five
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