The Royal Oak, Ecchinswell

Start: The Royal Oak, Ecchinswell (RG20 4UH) Grid ref. SU 499 594

(S/E) Leave the pub and go back towards Newbury.

(1) Then just after a phone box on the left, turn right onto a footpath that bears left then right to join a track by a bridge over a stream.

(2) Follow the track to the left for 150yds, then take a footpath on the right that crosses fields and reaches a road (now just to the west of the farm buildings, and not as on the map).

(3) Turn left on the road and shortly right onto a footpath that rises at first within an avenue of bushes and then rises further skirting a wood on the right. It then bears round to the right to join the drive to Nuthanger Farm.

(4) Approach the farm, but bear left in front of it to join a footpath downhill that comes out on the lane by a large new house.

(5) Take the gravel track opposite into the Sydmonton Estate and follow this for 1000yds.

(6) Turn right at a T-junction onto another track that goes uphill past Watership Farm. Then down to a crossroads.

(7) Go forward on the metalled lane for 600yds and then turn right onto a track. In another 500yds take the footpath straight on that brings you out onto the village recreation field, then the road.

(8) Turn right for the pub.(S/E)

Start: The Royal Oak, Ecchinswell (RG20 4UH) Grid ref. SU 499 594

Driving to start: About six miles from Newbury, take the A339(A34)S, then the A339 towards Basingstoke. At the first roundabout on the A339, turn right (South) straight past Ecchinswell and follow the lane for three miles to find the pub on the left.

Refreshments: The typical English village pub, The Royal Oak, Ecchinswell, provides interesting local draught beers and a good selection of meals and snacks. There is a large garden.

Find more walks at Newbury Pub Walks here.