Vernew two

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Vernew here.

An enjoyable route on a mixture of quiet country lanes and off-road trails. We walked it from Newbury to Vernham Dean on a warm cloudy day at the end of June.

All the off-road sections were nice and firm underfoot (several of them do get especially muddy in the winter) and there was little traffic on the on-road sections. Only one footpath, heading towards Gore End, was particularly overgrown, with bracken at head height and spiked with the occasional bramble or nettle! Later there was also a short steep ascent to join the Wayfarers Walk which could be tricky in the wet and would make for a slippery descent if coming the other way.

The highlight of the route is the walk along the Wayfarers past Combe Gibbet to join the Test Way. It’s always a pleasure to walk along this ridge with its superb views. There were plenty of flowers out, including spotted orchids, and a host of colourful paraponters enjoying soaring high above us.

For refreshments, after leaving Newbury, there is nothing directly on the route until you arrive at the pub in Vernham Dean itself.

Vernham Dean to Newbury 2 (Vernew 2) review.

One of the longer Slow Ways to explore the wonderful North Wessex Downs AONB. This takes in a couple of local landmarks on the escarpment. The footpath descent from it, however, does need taking with caution.

From the village of Vernham Dean, the route follows footpaths and lanes to join the Test Way walking route (Photo 1) as it ascends towards the escarpment ridgeway (Photo 2).

The Slow Way follows the Wayfarer’s Walk east atop the escarpment. There are excellent views north over the farmland and woods. Two landmarks of interest are the macabre Combe Gibbet (Photos 3 & 4) and Walbury Hill, the highest point in South East England (Photo 5).

The route leaves the Wayfarer’s Walk for a footpath that is a direct descent off the escarpment (Photos 6 & 7). I found it a tricky downward scramble, not helped by a lack of handholds. I would recommend a stick or pole. Do be careful!

The long walk NE into Newbury is a pleasant mixture of quiet village lanes and footpaths (Photos 8 & 9). A couple of places were very overgrown on my walk (Photo 10).

Pub break points are a possibility with short detours, but I didn’t investigate this option. One can sense Newbury is nearby as crops give way to equestrian pursuits.

The approach to Newbury makes good use of a Berkshire Circular Route; across fields (Photo 11) and a foot bridge over the A34.

Finally, the Slow Way takes footpaths to reach the Kennet and Avon Canal, and then follows the towpath (Photo 12) the rest of the way into town.

In conclusion, this is an excellent Slow Way to enjoy the North Wessex Downs. Albeit one that requires a stout walking stick, and a first aid kit for stings and scratches.

Share your views about this route, give it a star rating, indicate whether it should be verified or not.

Include information that will be useful to others considering to walk or wheel it.

You can add up to 15 photos.