Three Mile Cross - River Loddon - Beech Hill - Three Mile Cross

Andrew Long

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It's not unreasonable to say that the countryside south of Reading in the Royal Country of Berkshire has been changed by the coming of the M4 and also the A33 Bypass connecting Reading with Basingstoke. If you cannot see the level of traffic in the area, you will certainly hear it. Despite this, there are plenty of walks where you still can enjoy the countryside. This walk starts in Three Mile Cross, just to the south of Junction 11 of the M4, before heading through Spencers Wood and out into the country. After crossing the A327, the walker encounters the relative tranquillity of the River Loddon and Lambs Lane. After passing under the A33, you head through Priory Farm, whereupon you can take in some of the views of the countryside. The walk passes through quiet bridleways before crossing the A33 again. The last part of the walk is intriguing as it takes a 'hidden' bridleway located next to the A33, which must have been something akin to a drovers' trail.

This walk does not pretend to be a ramble through the Peak District or the Yorkshire Dales, but I would like to think it describes another way around the area away from the hustle and bustle of the busy road network.

England - South England - Berkshire - Thames Valley

Features

Mostly Flat, Pub, River, Wildlife, Woodland

10/12/2021 - Andrew Long

Walk reviewed on a pleasant autumn day in October. Please note footpath on WM3 is closed during construction of housing and an alternative route is suggested heading up Basingstoke Road near to the pub! Walk updated to reflect the changes in last 10 years and pictures updated.

6/29/2020 - Gavin Bradshaw

Not the best walk I've ever taken, but it had it's moments as long as you accept that a lengthy stretch of the route runs close to a major road. Personally I didn't find the road noise all the bad and the author does describe what to expect. There is an especially pleasant, but all too brief bit just before WM 8. The farmers in this area appear to have been planting bricks rather than seeds. Many of the fields described in the first half of the walk are now housing estates with planning application signs up in other fields. I think in another 5 years there will be many more houses in this area. Around WM 6 you'll pass yet another new crop. A field of solar panels. There were signs around Priory Farm between WM 9 & 10 saying the footpath was closed, but it wasn't. It seemed to me as if they were just trying to discourage people from crossing their farm yard.

4/3/2011 - Andrew Long

Walk reviewed and updated by contributor on 3 April 2011.