Walk 2660 - printer friendly version

Lowbury Hill & Roden Downs from Compton Walk

Author - North Wessex Downs AONB

Length - 6.0 miles / 9.8 km

Ascent - 400 feet / 121 metres

Grade - easy/mod

Start - OS grid reference SU520799
Lat 51.515638 + Long -1.2520114
Postcode RG20 6NL (approx. location only)

The rolling downland tracks on this Berkshire route can be enjoyed by walkers, cyclists and horse riders alike. The walk starts from the village of Compton, five miles west of Streatley, and takes in the ancient Roden Downs and beautiful hedgerows bustling with wildlife. The terrain is mostly downland tracks with stiles or gates. The walk uses a section of the Ridgeway, one of the oldest 'roads' in Europe.

The walk starts in the centre of Compton (grid ref. SU520799) on the High Street. Just east of The Compton Swan turn north into Horn Street. As the road bears left, turn right into Wallingford Road. Pass under the bridge that carried the railway line which ran between Newbury and Didcot and turn right on to a bridleway, towards a junction of tracks called Crows Foot. Turn left and after a short distance bear right.

At the next junction (grid ref. SU533805) take the left track that makes the central 'claw' of the crow's foot. Continue up the track towards the Ridgeway which you cross. Ahead and to the left rises Lowbury Hill. There are fine views from here and the remains of a Roman temple on the summit along with a previously unknown Roman military outpost.

At the next junction (grid ref. SU544826) turn left and follow this track to join the Ridgeway. Continue west along the Ridgeway. Shortly after walking across the bridge over a disused railway line you turn left and leave the Ridgeway. Follow the bridleway down a track for 600m and then bear right across a field. Rejoin the track, which then ends at a metalled road on the outskirts of Compton. Continue down the road bearing right, which will take you back to the High Street.

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