Thagor one

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I walked this route from Thatcham to Goring on an overcast day in December after a fairly wet autumn, so several footpaths were rather muddy, but all were still passable, and most roads near the route were quiet enough that it would be possible to divert around the worst sections if needed. Shooting is also clearly popular in the area, and there was a 10 minute wait going up White Hill where a shooting party were firing across the right of way.

The walk out of Thatcham is along roads and through an industrial estate. Thereafter, it is a pleasant walk along quiet roads and footpaths through the farmland and woodland of the North Wessex Downs, with views across Thatcham and the Goring gap at either end. There is a brief section of walking along the streets of Streatley and Goring at the end to cross the Thames and arrive at the meeting point in Goring. I found crossing the A329 on arriving in Streatley a little challenging as the approaching cars were hidden by a building very close to the road

There are several opportunities for refreshment, including a pub and several shops in Yattendon, approximately halfway, and further pubs in Upper Bucklebury and Frilsham. A number of charming old churches along the way were also open, which would provide a place to sit, and shelter if required.

This was an excellent route through a surprisingly quiet part of the country, and I would recommend it.

Thatcham to Goring (Thagor 1) review.

An excellent walk through the eastern edge of the North Wessex Downs; that takes in undulating fields and pleasant copses. The steepest ascent is Streatley Hill at the Goring end.

The walk begins in Thatcham. The route goes past the station, but then through an industrial estate. I scouted an alternative path; which is to cross the Thatcham Bridge and follow the riverside path east to Colthrop Lock. Gardiner’s Bridge just beyond will take you to the other side of the estate.

The Slow Way soon enters countryside (Photo 1) to arrive at an early break point at the Cottage Inn in Upper Bucklebury (Photo 2).

Watch for the footpath on the left just past the pub, as I missed it the first time! This leads across Bucklebury Common and then farmland on the way into Bucklebury. I found the signage a little unclear over this farmland and a footbridge had rotten boards (Photo 3). My impression is that not many walkers have come this way in recent months.

The route out of Bucklebury passes an equestrian centre. The ascending footpath into High Copse was surprisingly muddy for a dry day (Photo 4). I suspect riders had been using it instead of the bridleways.

There is a break point at the Pot Kiln in Frilsham. From there a road with a grassy verge goes over the M4 (Photo 5). A break point with more options can be found at Yattendon. There is a pub, a convenience store, and ‘The Pantry’: which was serving very tempting afternoon teas.

From Yattendon, there’s a couple of miles of countryside and woods (Photo 6), followed by a gentle ascent up White Hill. From there it’s an enjoyable mixture of quiet lanes, fields and woodland. Note it passes close to a shooting range, with a sign advising to keep dogs on leads.

The final stretch is a rather steep ascent up Streatley Hill (Photo 7). See Aldermaston Wharf to Goring (AldGor 1) for an alternative route into Goring; east along Grim’s Ditch.

The summit of Streatley Hill has three grassy labyrinths to enjoy. There are benches on the descending side, which give an excellent view down into the Goring Gap (Photo 8).

The route arrives in Streatley near the Bull Inn. There is then some street walking over the Thames into Goring.

Overall, I rate this route highly. There are a variety of landscapes to enjoy and minimal urban intrusion. This has been my second Slow Way across the North Wessex Downs and I look forward to exploring this AONB more in subsequent excursions.

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