Ashdown House circular via White Horse and Berkshire Border

This circular walk starts from Ashdown House. On the way you will be able to enjoy the White Horse Hill and Alfred’s Castle then spectacular views of the Vale of the White Horse.

Technical sheet

n°38889147
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 12.47 km
  • ◔
    Calculated time: 4h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 151 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 153 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 256 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 158 m
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Description

Start : Ashdown House (National Trust) (RG17 8RE) Grid ref. SU 283 823

(S/E) From Ashdown House car park, walk West through the woods to the broad clearing.

(1) After 280 m or so, turn right walking along the wide grass fairway.

(2) Turn right at the end, cross the road (B4000), and climb up the hill opposite.

(3) Turn left just before a small wood on your left.

(4) After 920 m, when you reach the Ridgeway long distance footpath turn right. On the way, stop off to look at the Wayland Smithy, an ancient burial chamber.

Continue until you reach White Horse Hill on your left. You will not see the White horse unless you take a short excursion to your left and cross Alfred’s Castle. Spectacular views of the Vale of the White Horse.

(5) After enjoying, turn right and follow the path South for 3 Km.

(6) Turn right. You are now following the West Berkshire / Oxfordshire border. After a copse on your right continue on the track up the hill. Drop down towards the main road.

(7) Turn right and walk very carefully along the road until you reach the Ashdown house car park. (S/E)

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 172 m - Ashdown House car park
  2. 1 : km 0.27 - alt. 186 m - Wide grass fairway
  3. 2 : km 1.52 - alt. 195 m - Junction end wide grass fairway
  4. 3 : km 2.7 - alt. 208 m - Small wood left
  5. 4 : km 3.62 - alt. 212 m - Ridgeway long distance footpath
  6. 5 : km 6 - alt. 255 m - White Horse Hill
  7. 6 : km 8.77 - alt. 205 m - Junction West Berkshire / Oxfordshire border
  8. 7 : km 11.86 - alt. 159 m - Main road
  9. S/E : km 12.47 - alt. 172 m - Ashdown House car park

Practical information

Start & parking: Ashdown House (National Trust) (RG17 8RE) Grid ref. SU 283 823
Secure all valuables out of sight in your car. Unfortunately, thieves have been active in this area.

Note : Please follow the Countryside Code to keep you, your dog, farm animals and the countryside safe. Respect other people, Protect the natural environment, Enjoy the outdoors.
For dog walkers there is special advice available from Countryside Online.

Find more information and walks at Lambourn website here.

Reviews and comments

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The GPS track and description are the property of the author.