Thurle Down (Streatley) - Aldworth - Thurle Down

David and Liz Fishlock

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A lovely walk through unspoilt countryside on the edge of the Berkshire Downs, the route is mainly along quiet country roads and lanes, which make it an ideal winter walk when cross-field paths are extremely muddy. It is however, a walk that can be enjoyed at any time of the year, with some splendid views near the end from the Ridgeway long- distance path across the Thames Valley countryside.

Be sure to visit the Church of St Mary's at Aldworth, which is noted for the tombs of the Flemish de la Beche family, who held the manor here until the mid-14th Century and also for what is left of the yew tree in the churchyard, which is reputed to be over 1,000 years old. Sadly it was extensively damaged in the 1987 hurricane.

England - South England - Berkshire - Thames Valley

Features

Church, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Pub, Wildlife

9/28/2020 - Philip Wolsey

I enjoyed the walk and the views. I hate road walking and there is some, but if you look thoughtfully at the map and the route, and if you share my aversion, it is easy enough to minimise this by modifying the route. Access information: The car park at the beginning of the route is at www.what3words.com/bulldozer.lodge.lilac

4/30/2016 - avril mccartan

Enjoyed this walk today but it was even nicer as a decent amount of the walk was through bluebell woods with plenty of birdsong.

6/15/2015 - Nigel Williamson

Great walk with some fine views from The Ridgeway. Photographs at Waymarkers 5 and 9 are out of date as the corner sign has been replaced (5) and the signpost at (9).

5/26/2014 - alex mcgivern

Great walk, as the author said good to do in poor weather, and plenty of cover under the trees. Feels very different to a normal Berks walk, with the little lanes you could be in Devon! Great walk all round.

6/15/2012 - Kirke Kriisk

Walked it with my children and dog - suitable for all of them. It was pouring down but we really enjoyed it. Need to do it again when the weather is better and we can enjoy the views.

4/19/2012 - Walkingworld Admin

Our thanks to Sue Eaton for her update for this walk. April 2012. Adrian (Admin)

4/16/2012 - Sue Eaton

Finally back to being able to walk and rewalked this route. The good news is that at point 6 there is now a clear public footpath sign and the route is now obvious. At point 9 it might be useful to add after towards Aldworth... After about 500metres on the road the road curves to the left and there is a byway marked to your right on the curve. Then continue with the "You can walk along"... Hope this is clear.

10/23/2011 - Sue Eaton

We did this walk on a beautiful October day and it was well worth it. There's a steep incline near to the start of the walk but after that it's fairly straightforward The only problem we had was at point 6 where we got thoroughly confused. I think we took the main track rather than the woodland track, because the path was so unclear. However, we did manage to end up at point 7, anyway. Do try The Bell at Aldworth, which is a proper pub and welcomes walkers. In particular, on the day we walked, the view over Streatley Warren was stunning.

4/1/2008 - Walkingworld Administrator

With thanks to Andrew Long this walk was updated March 2008.

4/11/2006 - Patrick Duggan

A beautiful walk. Extremely well signed - though at Easter 2006 the Byway sign at Waymark 10 was found to be knocked over and buried in undergrowth.

4/4/2006 - Catherine Block

I've been on several lovely walks in this area and it is just as easily reached by train. So non-car owners please don't be put off as there are regular weekend trains from Paddington/Ealing Broadway to Pangbourne, Goring and Streatley.