12.5 miles The highest chalk hill in England

This is a circular walk exploring the beautiful North Wessex Downs, starting and finishing in Ashmansworth.  We walk through picturesque villages, open country and woods. Weather permitting, there should be fine views, especially in the afternoon when we walk along the escarpment above Inkpen and look out over the Kennet Valley to the Berkshire Downs and possibly the Chilterns.

We set off west from Ashmansworth towards he well-ordered village of Faccombe, continuing to Linkenholt for our morning break. From there it is mostly uphill as we follow the Test Way to its source at Combe Gibbet. The afternoon session will be easier even though it takes in the highest points in both Berkshire and Hampshire -  we follow the start of the Wayfairer’s Walk along the ridge back to Ashmansworth.