North Wessex Downs | wandelgids

30 walking routes exploring the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The routes are between 7 and 20km through this peaceful rolling chalk landscape and cover parts of four counties: Berkshire, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire, with walks to reach the highest point in each one.

Seasons
All year round: spring and early summer are best for wild flowers, butterflies and birds; in autumn the trees are splashed in golden-brown autumnal colours, while a frosty winter's day can give impressive clear views.

Centres
Marlborough, Lambourn, Great Bedwyn, Dorchester on Thames, Hungerford, Pewsey, Kingsclere The walks are also accessible from the following towns outside of the area: Didcot, Wantage, Swindon, Calne, Devizes, Andover, Basingstoke, Newbury and Reading.

Difficulty
Walks to suit most ages and abilities, with no difficulties apart from some short steep uphill and downhill sections. Can be muddy in winter.

Must See
Panoramic views; the highest points in Berkshire, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire; the rivers Thames, Kennet, Pang and Lambourn; picturesque villages with thatched cottages, historic churches and cosy pubs Prehistoric sites: Avebury, the Uffington White Horse, Neolithic and Bronze Age long barrows and Iron Age hill forts

The walks range in length from 6 to 21 km (4-13 miles) and can be enjoyed in 2-6 hours. Many of the walks follow parts of the ancient Ridgeway National Trail and the Kennet and Avon Canal.

1:50,000 OS maps reproduced at 1:40,000 for greater clarity
GPX files available to download
Detailed information on refreshment and transport options for each walk
Easy access from Swindon, Reading and Basingstoke
Highlights include the Uffington White horse and Avebury