Hungerford – Kennet and Avon Canal - Bagshot - Hungerford

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Hungerford – Kennet and Avon Canal - Bagshot - Standen Manor - Hungerford

This walk starts off in the small market town of Hungerford before heading west along the towpath of the famous Kennet and Avon Canal for two miles via Freeman's Marsh. Just after crossing the border into Wiltshire, the walk leaves the canal and heads inland before gently climbing to reach the (scenic) Long Walk through Stype Wood. The route then takes the walker through the Stype Estate before reaching the peaceful hamlet of Bagshot.

After passing through a gate rather than navigating a high farm gate, the walk heads through Catmore Copse before taking the bridleway to the well-preserved Standen Estate. After leaving here, the walk follows a number of fields before reaching the outskirts of Hungerford. From here, there follows some urban walking and a variety of architecture before reaching the main High Street. Here you can get distracted by the many small shops, pubs and other eating establishments Hungerford has to offer.

From the centre, it is but a quick walk back to the start.

Although you can bring your car to the start of the walk, there is nothing to prevent you taking the train instead.

England - South England - Berkshire - Canal Walk

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Church, Food Shop, Pub, Public Transport, Restaurant, River, Tea Shop, Wildlife, Woodland
10/15/2020 - Andrew Long

Walk reviewed and updated by contributor. WM12 wording amended to improve instructions to find telegraph pole. WM15 wording amended to make finding gap in hedge easier. Car parking charges in Hungerford also updated.

9/25/2020 - Sharon Marshman

We walked this route today. A beautiful and varied route. Would look lovely through the trees in Autumn

1/23/2019 - Mark Hylton

We walked this route today and it was very enjoyable. The walk guide and photos remain accurate and helpful and we didn't have any problems. As it's winter the lack of nettles and undergrowth might have helped but the paths in wooded areas seem pretty clear and distinctive. One very minor comment, at point 4, the guide says to 'pass by Marsh Lock on your left' whereas this should either be 'on the left' or 'on your right'.

7/26/2014 - Andrew Long

Walk updated as promised. WM11 updated and WM12 corrected to make finding gap in hedge easier!

7/21/2014 - Andrew Long

Andrew Thomson has missed the gate in the hedge - it's easy to do and has tried to climb over the next farm gate. I know this because I did exactly the same. I will update the text to make it clearer where the gate is in step 11 and will rewrite step 12 as I even struggled to find the entrance into the wood! It's all a lot more overgrown compared with my last visit in 2011.

6/30/2014 - andrew thomson

At point 12 there is a 5 bar gate which is padlocked so you have to climb over, there is no clear path just very long grass and the fence on the boundary is over grown with brambles and hard to find. Once in the wood a tree has fallen over the path and you need to find a way around through the undergrowth. On reaching the T-junction there is no sign for this path. Apart from that section its a very nice walk. Andrew Thomson.

7/14/2011 - Andrew Long

Walk reviewed and updated

7/28/2010 - Chris Summers

At point 17 "The Angel " freehouse is now Boarded up! There is a nice Tea Shop if you turn left at the High Street, go under the railway and head down to the canal, on the left just before the canal