The best walks and hikes around Newbury

Strolling Newbury’s waterways

Without a doubt, some of the best hiking trails in Newbury use its many waterways for inspiration. During the 18th century, the canal was extended to be navigable through Newbury, eventually creating a route from London to Bristol via the market town. Less than 100 years later, the canal’s trade purpose became defunct due to the railway. Today, the Kennet and Avon Canal is a much loved waterway that offers you an exceptionally beautiful way to explore the countryside. 

For more watery walks from Newbury, follow the River Lambourn to Donnington, detouring to its ruined castle and returning to the riverbanks to the pretty Lambourne Valley. See the grasses wafting in the gentle flow, find willows tickling the surface and kingfishers clinging to reeds; this chalk stream is an important habitat for a whole host of wildlife. 

To the east of the town and the famous Newbury Racecourse lies Thatcham Reed Beds nature reserve and a series of small lakes. Here, you can spot warblers and waterfowl, dragonflies and damselflies, and plenty more.

Exploring undulating woods and countryside

Fancy bluebell hunting on woodland walks from Newbury? Would you like to seek out the golden leaves in autumn or the snowdrops in winter? The countryside around this riverside town is home in many woodlands, each with a unique character. Hikes north past Donnington Castle lead you to Snelsmore Common with its blend of heathland and woodland filled with oak and birch. To the south, find Great Pen Wood with conifers and oaks, much of which is an ancient woodland site. Newton Common, Bowdown Woods, Fence Wood and the plantations at Stockcross are all packed with walking trails, gravel tracks and trees bursting with life. 

Tracing history through Newbury

Newbury’s streets hold all sorts of interesting historical secrets and there are many parts of the town and its suburbs that are worth exploring. The West Berkshire Museum is housed in two of the town’s most exquisite buildings, the Cloth Hall and the Granary. The 19th-century corn exchange and the Gothic St Nicholas’ church also give you a glimpse into Newbury’s wealthy past.