Walking BritainBerkshire Walk
Newbury to Hungerford via Kennet & Avon Canal
Maps 
| Ordnance Survey Explorer 158 | Sheet Map | 1:25k | BUY |
| Anquet OS Explorer 158 | Digital Map | 1:25k | BUY |
| Ordnance Survey Landranger 174 | Sheet Map | 1:50k | BUY |
| Anquet OS Landranger 174 | Digital Map | 1:50k | BUY |
Walk Route Description
Click image to see photo description.
The Kennet and Avon Canal has a length of 87 miles and consists of two sections of navigable river linked by a canal. From Bristol to Bath the waterway follows the River Avon. Then a 57 mile-long canal section providing a link to the River Kennet at Newbury and on to Reading where the waterway continues along the River Thames. The canal was built between 1795 and 1810 but with the construction of railways it fell into disuse. The canal was subsequently restored in the 20th century including many locks and was reopened in 1990.
This linear walk follows the Kennet and Avon Canal westwards from Newbury to Hungerford and requires the use of two cars or rail travel between the start and end. It is probably best to park in Hungerford and take the regular train service to Newbury to start the walk. From Newbury railway station exit on the north side and bear right through the station forecourt to follow Cheap Street towards the river/canal. Turn left into Wharf Street passing the Tourist Information on your left and then right over the river/canal bridge and drop down to the towpath on the left.
The route needs little further explanation as you stay on the canal towpath all the way to Hungerford where the railway station is very close to canalside path. During the walk you will be able see many boats using the canal including traversing the locks passed on the way. To the north of the canal lies the River Kennet and its flood plain.
Other walks nearby
| Walk 2063 | Watership Down and Ladle Hill from the Sydmonton Estate | easy | 4.5 miles |
| Walk 3594 | Beacon Hill near Burghclere | easy | 1.5 miles |
| Walk 3595 | Old Burghclere & Burghclere from Beacon Hill | easy/mod | 5.6 miles |
| Walk 1508 | Hannington from Kingsclere | easy | 6.0 miles |
| Walk 1947 | Coombe Gibbet & Walbury Hill near Inkpen | easy/mod | 6.2 miles |
Recommended Books & eBooks
The Kennet and Avon Canal
Guidebook to walking along the Kennet & Avon Canal. The 94 mile route from Reading to Bristol is split into 7 stages of fairly easy walking and includes the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bath and Bristol's Floating Harbour. 20 circular walks are also included, ranging from 4ΒΌ to 9 miles, taking in the best sections of the canal.
More information
The End to End Trail
Further Information
Walk Location Map
Walking in Berkshire
The County of Berkshire is bisected by the Thames Valley with higher land rising to the north and south of this great river. The county has mane areas of woodland with trees that prefer acid soils. These include Bracknell Forest, Windsor Great Park, Crowthorne and Stratfield Saye Woods. The highest land lies along the Hampshire border to the south The highest point in the county is Walbury Hill at 297 metres above sea level. The open upland areas compete with Newmarket (Suffolk) for horse racing training and breeding. Away from the towns cereal crops are widespread. The major towns and centres of population include Ascot, Eton, Maidenhead, Newbury, Reading, Slough and Windsor.
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