What we’re about
Welcome to the Berkshire Walkers (BWs). The BW group is a part of the Ramblers, a national charity dedicated to removing barriers so everyone can enjoy walking in green spaces, and to improving Britain’s most popular and least-known walking places. The Ramblers are committed to campaigning to keep our countryside open to all and to fighting for the things that matter most to walkers. The Ramblers lead the way, and the walks, for a vibrant community united by the joys of walking, helping everyone get more out of their walks.
All participants of all group events are required to adhere to our Group Charter and Ramblers Values - https://www.berkshirewalkers.co.uk/conduct-and-safeguarding/
You can enjoy 3 taster walks with the Berkshire Walkers for FREE, after which you are required to become a member. Annual membership is exceptionally reasonable (just over £3.50pm on Direct Debit).
With membership, you can also join any of the other 500 Rambler groups, including other Berkshire groups and those nearby in Surrey, Sussex, Oxford, and Hampshire. What's not to like! Find out how to join here: https://www.berkshirewalkers.co.uk/join-group/
Groups are run entirely by local volunteers. Local group activities can include inspecting and maintaining paths, organising group walks or running local campaigns. Each group is run by an elected committee giving members ownership of what we do locally. We have over 100,000 members.
Please note: we list a full event programme on our website of walks, socials and trips: https://www.berkshirewalkers.co.uk/
Upcoming events
18
Romans and Ramblers: The Mortimer to Calleva Walk, 8 miles, leisurely
Mortimer Station, Berkshire, RG7 3PA, GBThis circular walk will step back in time on this fascinating 8-mile countryside walk from Mortimer to the ancient Roman city of Calleva Atrebatum in Silchester. Blending rich history with peaceful rural scenery, this route offers a perfect mix of woodland paths, open fields, and centuries-old tracks once used by Roman travellers.
Leaving Mortimer, the walk meanders through quiet lanes and shaded woodland before emerging into open countryside, where glimpses of history begin to unfold. As you approach Silchester, you’ll discover the remains of Calleva, one of Roman Britain’s most remarkable sites.
Explore the impressive city walls, trace the outlines of the ancient amphitheatre, and imagine life here nearly two thousand years ago.
We will stop at the Amphitheatre for our lunch stop - please bring a packed lunch along on the walk.
After soaking up the atmosphere of this extraordinary archaeological site, the return route takes you back through tranquil landscapes, offering a chance to reflect on the journey from modern village life to the echoes of Rome’s distant past.
Whether you’re a keen walker, a lover of history, or simply enjoy discovering hidden gems, Romans and Ramblers is a walk that brings the story of the land vividly to life.
This walk will be led by Jason O..
Please see our website for more information about the group.
Travel details
By public transport
From Reading take the 10:07 train arriving in Mortimer at 10:20.
From Basingstoke take the 10.23 train arriving in Mortimer at 10.35.By car
Parking is available at the train station, charges apply (APCOA).
Dogs
Dogs welcome on this walk, provided they are kept under control at all times and placed on a lead when requested by the walk leader.
Please see our dogs policy on our group website for more details.
Notes
- Please bring a packed lunch and plenty of water.
- It might be muddy – please wear suitable footwear.
Please contact the leader directly if you are delayed on the day or can't find the group (find contact details on our website). We are unlikely to respond to Meetup comments or messages sent on the day in enough time to be helpful.
22 attendees
ELIZABETH LINE WALK SERIES: Shenfield to Brentwood, 10.4 miles, moderate
Shenfield Station, Hutton Road, CM15 8JD, Shenfield, GBToday’s walk will take us through the Essex countryside as well as taking in some of the local views. From Shenfield station, we’ll head towards Hutton Mount before heading towards Hanging Hill Lane. Here, we’ll turn left onto it before turning right onto the footpath to takes us out of Shenfield, and crossing Hall Green Lane, walk through Hutton Cricket Ground before walking along Hutton Village before turning right onto the footpath through the fields. At the crossroads, we’ll turn right onto another footpath to pass Creasey's Farm and Bladen's Wood to take us into Ingrave. Here, we’ll cross over Brentwood Road to walk into Thorndon Country Park to head towards the Snake Statue, Gruffalo's Child and the Donkey Lane Plantation before walking past Hartswood Hospital onto Mascalls Lane.
Shortly after passing the hospital, turn right onto a footpath that takes you through Clement's Wood and Warley Country Park. Then when you get to Kavanagh's Road, turn left onto it to walk under the railway before turning right onto Hubert Road. This should take you onto a footpath that takes you towards St James's Road towards our finishing point at Brentwood station. For those who want a pint at the end of the walk, we’ll be stopping off at The Brewery Tap, which is a short walk from the station.
Ascent: 99m.
This walk will be led by Michael v..
Please see our website for more information about the group.
TRAINS:
The recommended train to get from Reading is 09:20 GWR service that arrives at Paddington at 09:44. This'll give you enough time to get the 10:00 Elizabeth line service that arrives in Shenfield at 10:55.
DRIVING:
Due to the cost of parking in London and ULEZ, it’s recommended that you don’t drive to Shenfield. Alternatively, you can park at Reading station and take the train from there, where parking fees apply.
DOGS:
Dogs are welcome on this walk as long as they're kept under control.
Please contact the leader directly if you are delayed on the day or can't find the group (find contact details on our website). We are unlikely to respond to Meetup comments or messages sent on the day in enough time to be helpful.
3 attendees
Walking in the footsteps of Jane Austen: Winchester, 6 or 11.5 miles, moderate
Winchester Train Station, Station Hill, Winchester, Hampshire, GB“I have lost a treasure, such a sister, such a friend as never can have been surpassed” - Cassandra Austen letter, 1817
2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen, one of the world’s most beloved authors. To celebrate, the Berkshire Walkers will be having a series of walks across the year visiting sites connected with Austen.
Advance booking is not required, but if you plan on attending this walk, please indicate this on Meetup if you can, so others can see that there will be plenty of people going.
Pace: medium. Ascent: 289m.
This walk will be led by Tom H..
Please see our website for more information about the group.
Walk details
By 1817, Jane Austen had published four novels (anonymously), and had completed two more. However, her health was failing, and in March she had to stop writing. In May she moved from Chawton to Winchester for treatment; and on 18th July, in a rented house at 8 College Street, she died, aged only 41. She was buried in Winchester Cathedral - her epitaph mentions “extraordinary endowments of her mind” but not her status as a writer.
The first part of the walk takes us through the historic city centre of Winchester, past the King Alfred statue and the City Hall, to reach the banks of the River Itchen for the first time in the walk. We will then climb to the top of St Catherine’s Hill enjoying the views back across the city and the cathedral. Continuing on to Twyford Down and returning to the Itchen for the last stretch, we reach the village of Shawford and the pub stop at the Bridge Inn.
At this point, approximately 6 miles into the walk, it is possible to drop out and return to Winchester from Shawford station. On a Sunday, trains run hourly.
Continuing on from the pub, we cross Compton Down and join the Clarendon Way, with more views of Winchester Cathedral. We pass the Hospital of St Cross and return to the centre of Winchester through the Water Meadows by the Itchen, and past the famous college. We’ll finish the walk by passing the house at 8 College Street, where Jane Austen died, and wind up outside the cathedral. A new statue of Austen to mark her 250th anniversary will have been unveiled in the cathedral close three days before the walk. Winchester Cathedral is also hosting a Jane Austen exhibition, which will finish on the day of the walk. However, the cathedral closes to visitors at 3pm on Sundays, so anyone who wants to visit would probably have to drop out at Shawford to have any chance of making it in time.
4 attendees
Past events
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