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 (4+)
See all- 200 years of British Railways: The Watercress LineAlton Railway Station, Alton
27th September 2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the first passenger railway service running on the Stockton & Darlington Railway. This was opened between the mining town of Stockton-on-Tees and the market town of Darlington by the engineer and railway pioneer George Stephenson. To celebrate this event, today’s Berkshire Walkers social takes us back to the golden age of steam railways for a trip on the Watercress Line, where we’ll be starting in Alton.
Back in its heyday, the railway took people on holiday, carried people during the wars and moved essential goods across central Hampshire and beyond. These days, the railway provides regular trips on board its fleet of steam engines and heritage diesel trains, of which they offer fantastic views of the local countryside and the South Downs National Park.
As well the train journey, there’ll also be the opportunity to explore the quaint market town of Alresford, which to this day remains as the UK’s capital of watercress farming. This comes with a specially curated excursion and is where we’ll have the chance to take a picturesque walk through the town as well as browsing the shops and the opportunity to have lunch. On top of this, there’ll also be exclusive deals available for those who are riding on the Watercress Line.
We’ll also have the chance to visit the intermediate station of Ropley. Located here is a steam crane demonstration, lever pulling in Medstead Signal Box and society stands that have information about ongoing locomotive projects. The workshops are also based here, which are only open on certain days throughout the year for special events, but we may have the chance to see some ongoing maintenance/restoration projects from a distance.
On the day that we’re visiting, the railway will be running a blue timetable (2-train service). The finishing time is also based on the scheduled ETA of the last train back to Alton, but feel free to return to Reading here on an earlier train if you need to. Tickets cost £24 per person, so if you’re interested in coming, feel free to book a ticket via this link as well as showing your interest via here on Meetup.
N.B.: Only signing up via Meetup doesn’t guarantee you entry to the Watercress Line or this social. You’ll need to buy a ticket in order to enter the platform at Alton.
If you’re travelling by train, the recommended one to get from Reading is the 08:54 GWR service that arrives in North Camp at 09:17. Here, you'll then need to walk to Ash Vale to get the 09:44 SWR service, which arrives in Alton at 10:10. This'll then allow for plenty of time to buy tickets on the day and get the first steam train of the day from Alton at 10:50. If you’re driving from Reading, please follow the postcode GU34 2PZ, which should take you via the A33 and Hook.
- A TV Farm Trek: Charlbury to Diddly Squat, 11.6 miles, moderateCharlbury Station, Oxfordshire
Today in Charlbury…
- We visit a farm.
- We walk through The Cotswolds.
- And we have a taste of Hawkstone Lager.
If you’re a Top Gear/Grand Tour fan, you may know that today’s circular walk will take us from Charlbury to Diddly Squat Farm of ‘Clarkson’s Farm’ fame. Starting at Charlbury station, we’ll head the River Evenlode and towards the Oxfordshire Way before heading the Wychward Way. From here, we’ll then head into East End before walking along a footpath that takes us parallel to the fields owned by Diddly Squat Farm. At the end of this footpath, we’ll turn left onto Old London Road to take us towards Diddly Squat Farm Shop, where we’ll be stopping for lunch.
After lunch, we’ll partially go back the way we came from before we walk past Diddly Squat Farm before walking into Millend to pass Chadlington Park before turning right onto the footpath towards Brookend. Here, turn right onto the road before turning left onto the footpath on your left to take us back to the Oxfordshire Way back towards our finishing point at Charlbury station. For those who want a pint at the end of the walk, we’ll be stopping off at The Bull, which is roughly a 5/10-minute walk from Charlbury station.
Ascent: 168m.
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 the 09:16 GWR service that arrives in Charlbury at 10:04.
DRIVING:
Charlbury has a good sized car park, where parking fees apply.
DOGS:
Dog are welcome on this walk as long as they're well behaved.
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.
- Culham Circular: Thames Walk via Clifton Hampden & Abingdon, 9 miles, leisurelyCulham Lock Car Park, Culham
A 9 mile circular walk from Culham Lock along the Thames Path via Clifton Hampden and Abingdon
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.
This walk will be led by Alex and Caroline.
Please see our website for more information about the group.
Walk details
We begin our 9 mile circular walk at Culham Lock, following the Thames Path eastwards to the picturesque village of Clifton Hampden with its iconic bridge and church. Leaving the river briefly, we skirt around the Culham Science Centre before rejoining the Thames Path and continuing towards the historic market town of Abingdon. From here, we follow the river back to Culham Lock, completing a varied and scenic circuit along one of the loveliest stretches of the Thames.
Travel details
By public transport
Unfortunately there is no public transport available to this walk. Feel free to use either our Facebook group (members only) or the comments section on the Meetup event page to arrange lifts – there are often members who are happy to help!
By car
Free parking at Culham lock: OX14 4NE
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 see our group website for more information: https://www.berkshirewalkers.co.uk/
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.
- Cholsey Circular, 5.5 miles, leisurelyCholsey Train Station, OX10 9QD
A circular leisurely afternoon walk starting from Cholsey Station.
Pace: gentle. Ascent: 52m.
Please see our website for more information about the group.
Walk details
We start from Cholsey station and head across country to St Mary's Church. We then walk over a bridge across the rail tracks across fields to just south of the village of Aston Upthorpe. We then proceed to climb Lollingdon Hill. We then head back to the station crossing a tunnel under the rail tracks again.
Travel details
By public transport
Take the 12:25 train from Reading arriving at Cholsey at 12:41.
By car
There is parking in the station car park. Parking fees apply.
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 snack and some water.
- It might be muddy – please wear suitable footwear.
Please see our group website for more information: https://www.berkshirewalkers.co.uk/
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.
