Watlington Hill, The Ridgeway & Cowleaze Wood – Long Country Hike

Walk length 21miles/34 km approx. Circular.

A really picturesque circular walk from Saunderton Station up to Watlington Hill across a variety of landscapes from scenic views to wooded tracks, with a number of hill climbs.

Some of this walk is on the Ridgeway National Trail, a path that follows tracks going back to prehistoric times and was used by travelers and herdsman.

Lunch and Finish: Please bring a snack lunch and water for the hike (rustic, no facilities). The hike should finish before 4.30pm, however the time may be slightly earlier or later than this depending on the weather and pace.

We should be back before sunset but please bring a torch just in case and be prepared to walk at a steady pace.

There is a nice pub very close to the station at the end which we can use for drinks or food or if you need to wait for the train.

THIS HIKE IS A HARD LONG HIKE WITH A NUMBER OF SUBSTANTIAL HILLS, PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP IF YOU WANT AN EASY SHORT HIKE.
If the weather is not suitable for a long hike close to the day I may change the hike for a shorter version.

Meeting

Train from London. The 7.53am from London Marylebone gets to Saunderton for 8.52am. You are advised to meet from 7.30am to give you time to get tickets or groupsaves.

If coming from London I suggest meeting close to the WHSmiths at London Marylebone for any group saves (see photo below)
The organizer is not coming by train for this hike but will meet you at Saunderton.

Please make a note of the organizers numbers - Colin 07709305681.

Train cost £18.50 return approx with a groupsave or network railcard.
Meet outside Saunderton Rail Station for the hike to start promptly at 9am after the train from London arrives. SAUNDERTON STATION HAS NO FACILITIES.

£7 (cash on the day, can do paypal, [email protected]) guided walk & meetup costs.

Car: Car parking at Saunderton Rail Station is free (please check for any restrictions and leave enough time to park). This is a circular walk and finishes back at Saunderton Rail Station.

Walking Safety: Walking is a great way to keep fit and generally very safe; however it does contain an element of risk. Before going on any of these walks you need to be reasonably fit and be prepared to be responsible for your own safety. You should wear appropriate clothing such as proper walking boots, warm and wet weather clothing and carry sufficient food and water. Please see our Terms and Conditions (https://4142298.xyz/Chiltern-Explorers/pages/Terms_and_Conditions/)

COULD EVERYONE PLEASE AVOID COMMENTS BELOW THAT ARE NOT SPECIFIC TO THE EVENT AS THIS GENERATES SPAM, JUST CHANGE YOUR RSVP IF YOU CAN'T GO. YOU CAN MESSAGE ME. MANY THANKS.