The Ship, Ashford Hill

Start: The Ship, Ashford Hill (RG19 8BD) Grid ref. SU 558 623

(S/E) Walk back from The Ship towards Ashford Hill and take the lane on the right, turning left at the T-junction in 100yds.

(1) Follow the lane, which deteriorates to a footpath that eventually arrives at a metalled lane.

(2) Turn left for 400yds to the main road, then right and shortly left up a track.

(3) In 600yds, take the stile on the left into a field, and follow the footpath until it turns left through a metal gate, then go forward with a slight right and left jink.

(4) In 200yds more turn right across the field to a stile leading into a rather overgrown path by a newish property. When you reach farm buildings on the left, keep straight on to a field path that crosses an orchard to meet a main road.

(5) Turn left, and first right up the lane for 500yds.

(6) Then turn left onto a track that enters woods after 500yds. Keep straight on downhill through woods until you come out into the meadow valley (the Ashford Hill SSSI).

(7) Turn left and walk along the stream to reach B3051 and right for The Ship. (S/E)

Start: The Ship, Ashford Hill (RG19 8BD) Grid ref. SU 558 623

Parking: The Ship pub has now closed, and is being converted into an Arts and Crafts centre. If there is no parking available, you will find a car park opposite the school in Ashford Hill Road.

Driving to start: About eight miles from Newbury. Take the A339 towards Basingstoke, and turn left at Headley for Ashford Hill. At the end of this road, turn left at the T-junction for half a mile.

Refreshments: Nearest places for lunch are the Crown at Kingsclere, or the Badgers Wood in Baughurst.

Find more walks at Newbury Pub Walks here.