The Six Bells, Beenham

Start: The Six Bells, Beenham (RG7 5NX) Grid ref. SU 584 689

(S/E) Turn right out of the pub for about 200yds and take the track on the left, bearing left again to keep Greyfield Wood on your right. After some 300yds bear left across fields to a junction of five paths.

(1) Bear half right towards the prominent buildings of Doaui Abbey and follow the footpath past a new housing development behind the abbey.

(2) On reaching the public road, take the turning opposite for about 300yds to St Peter's Church (Upper Woolhampton).

(3) Go through the churchyard left to a gate on the other side. This leads onto a sports field where you keep to the right-hand side, crossing a metalled drive before shortly coming out on a lane.

(4) Take the rather high stile on the left, and pass a succession of five pinch-stiles through paddocks of the stud at Malthouse Farm.

(5) After the fifth, turn left along the bridlepath downhill for some 400yds until you can cross a bridge, where turn left onto a wider track.

(6) In 200yds turn right through the gate into the Old Copse SSSI, and follow the footpath steeply uphill to St Mary's Church.

(7) Leaving the churchyard, turn left.

(8) Then turn left again at the road junction, and walk about 500yds more through the village back to the pub.(S/E)

Start: The Six Bells, Beenham (RG7 5NX) Grid ref. SU 584 689

Driving to start: About 12 miles from Newbury along the A4 towards Reading; take the first left on the dual carriageway and follow through Beenham village till you arrive at the pub.

Refreshments: The Six Bells serves decent beer from the Marlow Brewery, including Rebellion IPA and Rebellion Extra. The bar food is very impressive and good value, with some sandwiches available. Now open Wednesdays to Sundays.

Find more walks at Newbury Pub Walks here.