Hungerford

Circular Walk

6 miles. Map: OS Land ranger 174 Newbury and Wantage (inn GR 343683).

This is a circular walk “ As the Kennet & Avon approaches , the waterway passes almost imperceptibly from into the Royal County of . Along this section of the canal, the river Dun is a constant companion, a sparkling tributary of the Kennet which it joins on the edge of Hungerford.

Away from the canal, the walk follows a quiet byway above the Dun valley.

The views are wide and expansive, extending across vast tracts of the Berkshire and Wiltshire countryside. “ “

A map of the Hungerford Walk

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Circular Walk

Take a stroll through Hungerford

Follow the road alongside the Down Gate into the centre of Hungerford. Turn right at the High Street and, almost immediately, left into Church Street. Follow Church Street for 1/2 mile to the edge of the town, before continuing along what becomes a lane that heads out into the Berkshire countryside. The slight elevation of this byway brings open views to the north across the Dun valley. In 3/4 mile, you pass North Standen Farm and, in less than 1/2 mile, the entrance to North Standen House. Just 250 yards up the lane past the driveway leading to North Standen House, turn right along a bridleway signposted to Oakhill. Follow this bridleway across open hilltop fields, before dropping downhill into the diminutive hamlet of Oakhill. Turn right at the road and, in just 100 yards, you will reach the Kennet & Avon Canal at Bridge. Follow the towpath to the right back into Hungerford. Along the way, you will pass locks 71 to 74 before reaching Hungerford Wharf, with the river Dun running parallel for much of the route. Hungerford Wharf saw its first cargo – Russian tallow — arrive in 1798 from Newbury. This was the limit of the Kennet Navigation that linked the town with the Thames. Although the wharfs crane and gauging station are now little more than a fading memory, the original wharfside buildings remain, albeit converted to residential use. Just before Cobbler's Lock – number 72 – it is worth crossing a stile on the right to view the tiny, three-arched Dun Aqueduct. Also, look out for the footbridge that literally crosses the lock chamber at lock 73, Freeman's Marsh Lock, a unique sight on the British canal network.

Back in Hungerford, the towpath passes alongside St Lawrence's church. The church is virtually unrecognisable from that seen in early prints. Gone are the fascinating blend of angles, destroyed when the weight of heavy snow caused the roof to collapse in 1814. In their place is a substantial tonnage of Bath stone, one of the earliest cargoes carried along the Kennet & Avon to the town.

Continue along the towpath beyond the wharf, initially passing beneath Hungerford's High Street. In 1/2 mile, cross a stile in the fence on the right, pass beneath the railway and climb onto Hungerford Common. Bear half-right across the Common, and in 200 yards you will reach the Down Gate.

KENNET & AVON CANAL — HUNGERFORD COMMON TO DUNMILL LOCK BRIDGE 0/2 MILE)

Along this section of the walk, the canal is bounded by the to the north and Hungerford Common to the south.

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Circular Walk

Visit the local pub

The Down Gate TEL: 01488 682708 WEBSITE: www.the-downgate.co.uk

The Down Gate, a whitewashed cottage-style pub, enjoys a delightful location overlooking the western fringes of Hungerford Common. Although not a canalside hostelry, the Kennet & Avon is just a few minutes' walk away across the Common, a pleasant enough stroll for any passing bargees.

Internally, the Down Gate has two intimate bars, together with a cosy deep-sunk room with an open fire. Wooden tables and chairs, cushioned settles and bar stools form the inn's furnishings, whilst around the bar areas are displayed a number of fascinating collections of artefacts. These include barrel bushes and taps, a collection of miniature spirit bottles, coins, cider pots and blow torches! With a vast collection of tankards hanging from the ceiling beams, and a number of historic photographs of the local area, there is certainly plenty to catch the eye.

A perfect end to a picturesque walk along the Kennet & Avon Canal.

ADDRESS: Park Street, Hungerford, Berkshire RG17 0ED

How to get there: • Take the A4 to Hungerford, before turning onto the A338 which forms the town's High Street. In a short distance, just beyond the railway bridge over the main street, turn left into Park Street. In 1/4 mile, the Down Gate lies on the right alongside a cattle grid and the edge of Hungerford Common.

Parking: • Just alongside the pub, there is a large graveled parking area overlooking Hungerford Common.

For more information about Hungerford visit www.enjoykanda.uk/hungerford

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