Savernake Forest or Bucklebury Common

Leader: Rob Stallard

If the weather is forecast to be good we will explore some of the ancient trees of Savernake Forest near Marlborough. If not so good we will explore Bucklebury Common. Please register your interest for either or both the walks by Friday 17th by contact form and also state if you would like to offer/share lifts. The decision will be made on Saturday 18th. (Last year the weather was not good enough for Savernake).

Option 1: Savernake Forest

The Grand Avenue starts at a sharp left turn from the A4 just before the hill down to Marlborough. Drive 0.6 miles along the avenue and park at the first small car park on the right (SU 21746 67571). Although 35 miles away it should only take about 50 minutes from west Reading using M4 and A4. We will look at a number of named veteran trees (mainly oak) for which the forest is famous. Gentle walk of 3.5 miles. Some places muddy and slippery with gentle slopes. A pub lunch will be available at the Bear Hotel at Hungerford on the A4 (RG17 0EL, SU 33901 68903) just by the roundabout to the town centre.

Option 2: Bucklebury Common

Park at the Cottage Inn pub car park on Broad Lane (RG7 6QJ, SU 54261 68598). Bucklebury Common is an extensive area of mixed woodland and recently restored heathland. There are also a number of veteran trees. Muddy footpaths likely. Walk of about 4 miles on mainly gentle gradients. Lunch will follow at the Cottage Inn.