Lowbury Hill & Roden Downs from Compton
North Wessex Downs Walk
Region - North Wessex Downs
County/Area - Berkshire
Author - North Wessex Downs AONB
Length - 6.0 miles / 9.8 km Ascent - 400 feet / 121 metres
Time - 3 hours 20 minutes Grade - easy/mod
Maps
Ordnance Survey Explorer 170 | Sheet Map | 1:25k | BUY |
Anquet OS Explorer 170 | Digital Map | 1:25k | BUY |
Ordnance Survey Landranger 174 | Sheet Map | 1:50k | BUY |
Anquet OS Landranger 174 | Digital Map | 1:50k | BUY |
Walk Route Description
The rolling downland tracks on this Berkshire route can be enjoyed by walkers, cyclists and horse riders alike. The walk starts from the village of Compton, five miles west of Streatley, and takes in the ancient Roden Downs and beautiful hedgerows bustling with wildlife. The terrain is mostly downland tracks with stiles or gates. The walk uses a section of the Ridgeway, one of the oldest 'roads' in Europe.
The walk starts in the centre of Compton (grid ref. SU520799) on the High Street. Just east of The Compton Swan turn north into Horn Street. As the road bears left, turn right into Wallingford Road. Pass under the bridge that carried the railway line which ran between Newbury and Didcot and turn right on to a bridleway, towards a junction of tracks called Crows Foot. Turn left and after a short distance bear right.
At the next junction (grid ref. SU533805) take the left track that makes the central 'claw' of the crow's foot. Continue up the track towards the Ridgeway which you cross. Ahead and to the left rises Lowbury Hill. There are fine views from here and the remains of a Roman temple on the summit along with a previously unknown Roman military outpost.
At the next junction (grid ref. SU544826) turn left and follow this track to join the Ridgeway. Continue west along the Ridgeway. Shortly after walking across the bridge over a disused railway line you turn left and leave the Ridgeway. Follow the bridleway down a track for 600m and then bear right across a field. Rejoin the track, which then ends at a metalled road on the outskirts of Compton. Continue down the road bearing right, which will take you back to the High Street.
Other walks nearby
Walk 2275 | Lowbury Hill & The Fair Mile | easy/mod | 7.8 miles |
Walk 3484 | The Fair Mile & Unhill Bottom, near Streatley | easy/mod | 7.8 miles |
Walk 1873 | The Ridgeway from Ardington | easy/mod | 7.0 miles |
Walk 2344 | Newbury to Hungerford via Kennet & Avon Canal | easy/mod | 9.0 miles |
Walk 3572 | Lambourn Valley & Great Shefford | easy/mod | 9.0 miles |
Walk 3731 | Chaddleworth from Great Shefford | easy/mod | 8.0 miles |
Walk 1901 | Around Aldermaston | easy | 5.0 miles |
Walk 1737 | West Berkshire downs | easy/mod | 7.4 miles |
Walk 2180 | Hamstead Park from Kintbury | easy/mod | 7.3 miles |
Walk 1847 | Silchester Common & Calleva Atrebatum | easy/mod | 6.2 miles |
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