Walk 1901 - printer friendly version

Around Aldermaston Walk

Author - Peter Lane

Length - 5.0 miles / 8.1 km

Ascent - 100 feet / 30 metres

Grade - easy

Start - OS grid reference SU601672
Lat 51.400656 + Long -1.1374484
Postcode RG7 4JJ (approx. location only)

A straightforward short walk that features water courses prominently. A pleasant circular that visits meadows along the courses of the Kennet River and Kennet and Avon Canal.

The walk commences at Aldermaston Wharf. Park on the side of the road at Station Road just at the swing bridge on the A340 in the village, grid reference SU601672. Cross the A340 at the swing bridge and head along the towpath heading East along the canal passing the Kennet and Avon Canal Visitor Centre. Continue past the canal boat refurbishment works and many long boats, past a lock to the next swing bridge on a minor road. Turn right here and after 400 metres turn right at the Kennet River, following the footpath past gravel ponds until reaching a driveway.

Turn right up the driveway for a few metres and look for a narrow enclosed footpath. Follow this to a Salmon ladder and river crossing. Continue over a stile after crossing the river and after about 100 metres turn right, following the footpath sign along the hedge-line. Keep the hedge to the right and the path eventually turns into a green lane. Continue along this past a property until a footpath is seen turning off to the left. Ignore this and after a few meters a footpath to the right appears. Cross the stile and enter the open field. Head straight across to a stile, footbridge and continue following the same line until the path emerges at the A340 at the Mill. This is a popular venue for weddings and functions.

Cross the road (with care), turn left and after a few metres take the footpath on the right that follows the Kennet River closely. Take this footpath across a field, turning right across a bridge over a small tributary, straight across a field, then variously following the river bank and through nearby woods (although never far from the river). Cross the bridge and follow the river back along the opposite side (cycle route 4). The canal turns off left emanating from the river. The footpath continues up the cut to a bridge at Froude's Lane. Cross the bridge and continue along the right bank of the canal.

Eventually the towpath returns to Aldermaston Wharf. Take note of the design of lock 95 with its unusual collapsed walls. After the wharf itself, return to the start point, or turn right at the A340 and visit the Butt Inn after about 100 metres!

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