A Boot Up the Berkshire Downs

The Berkshire Downs are a line of downland hills, part of the NorthWessex Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. They have attracted human habitation since prehistoric times. Geologically they are continuous with the Marlborough Downs to the west and the Chilterns to the east. They lie east-west, with their scarp slope facing north into theVale ofWhite Horse and their dip slope bounded by the course of the River Kennet. In the east they are divided from the Chilterns by the RiverThames. These walks cover more or less the length of the Berkshire Downs, from Ashdown House in the west to the NationalTrust properties - Lardon Chase, Lough Down and the Holies - in the east.The Ridgeway, the spine of the Downs, is never far away. Some walks stray into Oxfordshire but that is understandable; until 1974 an area like Moulsford lay in Berkshire. Historical and literary associations are everywhere, from a battle fought by King Alfred (then a prince), possible complicity by a Catholic grandee in the Gunpowder Plot, two monuments to soldiers one very grand, the ubiquitous John Betjeman, a once-famous sheep fair, through to Wind in theWillows, Three Men in a Boat,Worzel Gummidge andThomas Hardy's last novel Jude the Obscure. The ten circular walks, ranging from 3 to 8 miles, suit the needs of families, groups of friends or individuals looking for a gentle stroll or a longer walk, and reflect the many varied facets of the area - its people, its history, and its working landscape and will help first time visitors to experience some of the great scenery the area has to offer. Many of the walks feature a pub along the route. Halsgrove's new-format guidebook, containing maps, photographs and useful information will ensure a great walking experience. Packed with colour, the book is an ideal reminder of a visit to the area.

Weekend Walks West of Reading: Short Scenic Strolls for All Ages in West Berks and South Oxon

Twelve short scenic walks within the triangle Reading-Newbury-Didcot. A variety of routes in the Thames and Kennet valleys and Berkshire Downs - almost all within an 'area of outstanding natural beauty'. None is more than 2 miles long. The walks are mainly along level footpaths and include places of interest, stops for refreshments or a picnic and a children's playground. The starting points have been chosen for easy car parking and most can also be reached by public transport. Information is given about the route to follow and sights along the way, with a colour map and photos. The walks are centred on: Aldermaston Wharf, Aldworth, Blewbury, Bucklebury, Cholsey, Goring-on-Thames, Hampstead Norreys, Pangbourne & Whitchurch, Purley-on-Thames, Thatcham Lake, Theale and West Ilsley. See spectacular views, ancient churches (one with giants!), thatched cottages, farm animals and locks busy with boats - even a mystical maze! The walks are ideal for anyone wanting some exercise for an hour or two exploring this beautiful rural area. Great ideas for an outing, including families with children. Despite the title, it doesn't have to be at a weekend!

A Boot Up Royal Berkshire: 10 Leisure Walks of Discovery

The ten circular walks, eight of which include the Thames Path as part of the itinerary, range from 4 - 9½ miles They suit the needs of families, groups of friends or individuals looking for a gentle stroll or a longer walk, and reflect the many varied facets of the area - its people, its history, and its working landscape and will help first time visitors to experience some of the great scenery the area has to offer. Many of the walks feature a pub along the route. Halsgrove's newformat guidebook, containing maps, photographs and useful information will ensure a great walking experience. Packed with colour, the book is an ideal reminder of a visit to the area. Walks included are: Pangbourne and Purley onThames * Reading and Shiplake * Henley-on-Thames * Hurley and Marlow Cookham * Dorney and Bray *Windsor and Eton * Windsor Great Park * Ascot Heath* Swinley Forest

Berkshire a Dog Walker's Guide (Dog Walks)

Walking with your dog is a joy and you couldn't hope for a more enthusiastic walking companion. But once you leave your familiar routes there is always the worry of where you might suddenly come across a field of sheep or a busy road, as well as knowing which pubs and cafes would welcome you both. Here is a collection of 20 tried and tested circular walks, varying in length from 2 to 6 miles, for dogs and their owners to explore Berkshire's beautiful countryside. These walks will lead you across magnificent Windsor Great Park; along the Thames path in Reading and picturesque Remenham; through ancient water meadows near Cookham; over the open rolling downland of Lambourn, discovering woods in Ufton; splashing in water at Dinton Pastures Country Park; and enjoying the Kennet and Avon canal in Hungerford and Newbury.

50 Hikes in the Berkshire Hills (Explorer's 50 Hikes)

Often compared to the English Lake District, the Berkshires abound with country lanes, scenic vistas, and forest trails for hikers and strollers of all abilities. Lauren R. Stevens has written about the Berkshires for more than 30 years, and 50 Hikes in the Berkshire Hills collects some of the best day hikes, overnights, and scenic walks into a compact and accessible guide. Hikes range from flat rambles through some of the region's most famous villages to the area's longest hikes along the Appalachian and Mohawk Trails. Featuring full-color photographs, maps, and elevation profiles, this is the only guide you'll need to enjoy one of New England's most beautiful regions.

50 Walks in Berkshire & Buckinghamshire (AA 50 Walks Series)

Walking is one of Britain's favourite leisure activities, and this guide to Berkshire and Buckinghamshire features 50 mapped walks from two to ten miles, to suit all abilities. The book features all the practical detail you need, accompanied by fascinating background reading on the history and wildlife of the area, and clear mapping for ease of use. Every route has been colour coded according to difficulty. All walks are annotated with local points of interest and places to stop for refreshments. Every walk is given a summary of distance, time, gradient, level of difficulty, type of surface and access, landscape, dog friendliness, parking and public toilets.