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Lowbury Hill & Roden Downs from Compton

North Wessex Downs Walk

Region - North Wessex Downs

County/Area - Berkshire

Author - North Wessex Downs AONB

Length - 6.0 miles / 9.8 km    Ascent - 400 feet / 121 metres

Time - 3 hours 20 minutes    Grade - easy/mod

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Ordnance Survey Explorer 170Sheet Map1:25kBUY
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Walk Route Description

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.

Other walks nearby

Walk 2275 Lowbury Hill & The Fair Mileeasy/mod7.8 miles
Walk 3484 The Fair Mile & Unhill Bottom, near Streatleyeasy/mod7.8 miles
Walk 1873 The Ridgeway from Ardingtoneasy/mod7.0 miles
Walk 2344 Newbury to Hungerford via Kennet & Avon Canal easy/mod9.0 miles
Walk 3572 Lambourn Valley & Great Sheffordeasy/mod9.0 miles
Walk 3731 Chaddleworth from Great Sheffordeasy/mod8.0 miles
Walk 1901 Around Aldermastoneasy5.0 miles
Walk 1737 West Berkshire downseasy/mod7.4 miles
Walk 2180 Hamstead Park from Kintburyeasy/mod7.3 miles
Walk 1847 Silchester Common & Calleva Atrebatumeasy/mod6.2 miles

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