🥾 Walk 648 - Kintbury, Walbury Hill and Combe Gibbet

The forecast for Saturday 6th July was for frequent heavy showers and a moderate breeze. Nevertheless, thirteen keen walkers turned up at Kintbury for an 11 mile walk that included around 1,000 feet of ascent to the highest point in Berkshire.

The walk started by following the Kennet & Avon Canal going west from Kintbury. After less than a mile on the overgrown canal towpath, we headed south across fields and farmland to the village of Lower Green.

From Lower Green, it was a gradual and then quite steep ascent up Inkpen Hill. Getting our breath back, we continued along the ridge to Combe Gibbet. Here we stopped for lunch, watching the weather. We could see a heavy downpour to the west, gradually coming our way. We managed to finish our lunch just before the rain hit us. It didn't last long before blowing over.

Continuing our route along the ridge, we passed over Walbury Hill, the highest point in Berkshire, before descending to West Woodhay and then Inkpen Common.

We stopped at a café for tea/coffee and cake before heading north along footpaths and lanes back to Kintbury. All the way, we were putting on and taking off our waterproof jackets as the weather vacillated between rain and sunshine.

We arrived back in Kintbury, taking a footpath through the church grounds back to the canal. See our route on Google Maps. The sun was out as were setting off home, only to be replaced by very heavy rain on the homeward journey. Good timing!

Thanks go to Chris for leading this walk and to Rob for writing it up.

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