Lameas two

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Lambourn to East Ilsley 2 (Lameas 2) review.

A Slow Way which follows the Lambourn Valley before heading up onto the Wessex Downs; for villages, downland and woodland. The villages of Lambourn and East Ilsley can be reached by bus from Newbury: 4/4a and 6/6a respectively.

Lambourn has plenty of amenities. The Slow Way follows the Lambourn Valley Way long distance path. The urban walk out of the village crosses the River Lambourn, a chalk stream (Photo 1).

The valley footpath was rather muddy on my walk; a day of light rain that became heavy by East Ilsley (Photos 2 & 3). There are break points at The Plough Inn in Eastbury and the Queen’s Arms at East Garston. The Great Shefford pub was to let (October 2024). There is a convenience store off the A338 in Great Shefford [SU386753].

A flood alleviation scheme along the A338 has closed the footpath [SU388755]. A diversion through the construction site continues the valley route. The Slow Way leaves the valley at Maidencourt Farm.

There is an ascent and I was happy to leave the muddy valley behind (Photo 4). The partially closed footpath is resumed, and heads northeast (Photo 5). The route crosses a golf course, follows the edge of a field, and briefly back to the golf course. It emerges at a lane, with an overgrown stile to negotiate (Photo 6).

A series of footpaths between villages, well signposted, lead through woods and fields (Photos 7 & 8). There’s a break point at The Ibex Inn in Chaddleworth. Unfortunately, the pub in Leckhamstead is no longer in business.

The field footpath from Leckhamstead is bordered by wildflowers and shrubs, planted to encourage wildlife (Photo 9)

Peasemore has a break point at The Fox pub (Photo 10), reached via a footpath opposite the church. The track out of Peasemore has an unusual obstacle. It crosses a grass runway (Photo 11). Soon after, the Slow Way joins a byway riding route heading north..

The byway was a rather long, muddy slog on my walk; one for a drier season (Photo 12). An alternative route into East Ilsley is Hungerford to East Ilsley (Huneas 2), which takes a scenic field path. Simply cross over the byway where you first join it [SU470771].

The byway route redeemed itself once out into the open, with great views over the downs. I was welcomed by a rainbow (Photo 13). There’s a gradual descent into East Ilsley.

I finished off the Slow Way with a pint in the warmth of The Swan pub (Photo 14).

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