St Margaret's Church circular, Catmore

Start : St Margaret's Church (RG20 7HN) Grid ref SU 453802

(S/E) From the church, continue forward along the lane for 150yds.

(1) Turn first right along a track that rises following a wooded strip on the right for about 600yds until it meets a gap in the crossing strip.

(2) Turn about 10 degrees left and cross the cultivated field to another gap in the wooded strip by a junction of lanes. Turn right for 100 yds.

(3) Then left along a footpath leading to Redlane Barn.

(4) Turn left and follow the track ignoring the first footpath sign on the left but taking the second. Follow this downhill passing a small quarry for 1000 yds before taking a left onto a path that rises steadily uphill for a mile to reach a crossing track.

(5) Turn right then take the first left along another track to reach the church in 500yds. (S/E)

Start : St Margaret's Church (RG20 7HN) Grid ref SU 453802

Driving to start : About 8 miles from Newbury up the B4494 to Lilley, where take the second of two adjacent right turnings SP Catmore and West Ilsley. In 3/4 mile, use the surprisingly large park on the left.
A very interesting small church, dating from the 12C, that you should access following the footpath besides the black barn, signed 'Historic Church'. A popular candle-lit carol service is held there before every Christmas.

Refreshments : For a pub lunch after your walk and visit, either follow the lane forward for two and a bit rather twisty miles to the Harrow at West Ilsley, or return to the B4494 and take the turning immediately left then second right after a mile, and right again after another mile for the Fox at Peasemore; about three miles in all.

Find more walks at Newbury Pub Walks here.