Ufton Nervet - Ufton Court - Ashen Wood

Andrew Long

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This walk is very much something to be undertaken before heading off for a good pub lunch or indeed after one, to help the digestion. Ufton Nervet is a quiet village located between Reading and Newbury near the A4 and Kennet and Avon Canal. Unfortunately, the village made the headlines in November 2004 when a high-speed train ploughed into a car parked on a railway crossing, killing seven people. This walk does not pass anywhere near this location.

Starting near St Peter's Church, which was built in 1862 on the site of an earlier church, the route takes the walker down a gravel track with views over the Kennet Valley on the right. The first stop is the site of an early manor-house with its restored fish-ponds which would have supplied the lord's table.

Later the walk proceeds down the drive of Ufton Court, which was rebuilt in the 16th Century and was home to the Perkins family, who were persecuted for being Catholics. Ufton Court is now run as an educational and conference centre and they put on fantastic open days in the summer months.

The walk later skirts Normoor Copse and Ashen Wood before passing by a ruined church and the Dog and Partridge, though the latter establishment which was a pub is now a private house!

Later on, Sulhamstead is reached, where the walker can view the old schoolhouse, the remnants of St Michael's Church and a wooden farm building resting on staddle-tones.

The route then returns across open fields before passing the local village school and the church to return to the start.

England - South England - Berkshire - Countryside

Features

Ancient Monument, Church, Mostly Flat, Woodland

10/8/2023 - Andrew Long

Thanks for your comment. Today I visited the start of the walk and there is now a mud-free parking bay just before the barrier. I have made reference to this and also the small car park next to the play equipment.

10/5/2023 - Gavin Bradshaw

This is a very easy, flat walk. Ideal if you just want to pop out for a couple of hours without doing anything too strenuous. Despite being relatively flat, there is still some pleasant scenery to be had. Parking is very limited owing to what appears to be some recent kerb and pavement development. I was able to find a place on the roadside between waymark 1 and 12, outside the school, though this might not be available while the school is open.

1/10/2021 - Andrew Long

Walk reviewed and updated to make it current. New versions of pictures 06 and 09 included.

10/6/2014 - Simon Handley

Lovely walk in unexpected sunshine and blue sky in early October. Had to curtail the walk at step 9 where the left turn through a hedge into an adjoining field was blocked. Unsure if this is an agreed diversion To the footpath or something implemented unilaterally by the local equestrian centre, This meant I had to retrace my steps to Church Lane and walk southeasterly along the quiet lane towards Ufton Nervet so not a major problem for the conclusion of the walk.

10/5/2014 - Andrew Long

Following a comment received from Simon Handley about WM09 being blocked, I have checked out the walk and can confirm that on Sunday 5 October the route was open. I have also taken the opportunity to update the walk where stiles have been replaced with metal gates and updated photos.

1/16/2011 - Andrew Long

16 Jan 2011 - Walk reviewed and updated by Author