The Cross Keys, Great Bedwyn

Start: The Cross Keys, Great Bedwyn (SN8 3NU) Grid ref. SU 278 645

(S/E) Walk down the road opposite the pub, passing a very good baker’s shop, a PO and an interesting monumental mason’s, turning left behind the church.

(1) Take the footpath which in turn crosses the railway (Care!) and the canal to reach the canal towpath.

(2) Turn right and follow this for 1200 yds to a point opposite a level crossing on the railway.

(3) Turn left up a footpath for about 400 yds to a wood.

(4) Then turn half right and follow the path first through woods and then across fields to reach the village of Wilton (where you could visit the Swan).

(5) Turn left then shortly fork right to follow the lane past Wilton Windmill, well worth a visit if you have time.

(6) 500 yds past the windmill, turn left onto a track, and in a further 250 yds, turn right onto a footpath that takes you to the track through Bedwyn Brail. This bends gradually to the left, and where it kinks to the right keep straight on down a path that comes out into the open and drops down to join the canal towpath.

(2) Turn right on this and follow the canal to the road bridge, where turn left for the pub.(S/E)

Start: The Cross Keys, Great Bedwyn (SN8 3NU) Grid ref. SU 278 645

Driving to start: About fifteen miles from Newbury along the A4 through Hungerford to Froxfield, where turn left and follow directions for Great Bedwyn.
This village-centre pub is now closed, but the walk can be done from the Three Tuns nearby.

Find more walks at Newbury Pub Walks here.