Watlington Hill, The Ridgeway & Cowleaze Wood – Long & Medium 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 5.00pm, however the time may be slightly earlier or later than this depending on the weather and 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 for the walk to start at 9am. You are advised to meet from 7.30am to give you time to get tickets or groupsaves. (early start because of the distance of the walk).

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.

There is a possibility of doing half this hike as it is a figure of eight you could park your car at Stokenchurch or if coming by train and are prepared to get a taxi back to Saunderton (please contact organizer if you fancy this option).

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 10am 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, please do paypal as friends and family to avoid charges.

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 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 shoes, warm and wet weather clothing and carry sufficient food and water. Please see our Terms and Conditions (https://www.meetup.com/London-Explorers/pages/3170152/TermsandConditions/)

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.