THE WALK
Distance: 4.75 miles
Grid reference at start: SU414654
Time: 2-2.5 hours
Going: Easy
Parking: Park sensibly on the road in Hamstead Marshall and there are several car parks in Newbury.
BBC BERKSHIRE WALKING AND SAFETY |  |
From Hamstead Marshall, take the bridleway on the right hand side as you come out of Hamstead Marshall after the White Hart Inn pub. This takes you through the farmyard of Elm Farm Research centre, and then between two fields. When you reach the road which is Park Lane, take the footpath ahead and to your left. Continue following the path up the hill, over a stile and through another field.  | | Stile leading into Hamstead Park |
You'll pass two huge stone pillars in the middle of the field, continue following the main footpath. When you come to the end of this field, which was overgrown with a crop of sweetcorn when we walked it in August 2002, you will come to a stile.  | | This old church is deep in the grounds of Hamstead Park |
Cross it and bear right, following the footpath signs. This path takes you through the private Hamstead Park estate.  | | You'll see this house as you approach the road |
When you reach the tarmac road running through the park, turn left and you'll see a cattle grid with a gate to its right. Go out through this gate and right onto the public road. Follow this road over a small bridge crossing the canal, and follow the footpath sign on the right to Newbury.  | | Follow the footpath sign to Newbury |
This takes you onto the canal towpath. You'll pass the weir and Guyers Lock.  | | You'll pass many locks on this walk |
Follow the towpath which takes you across a bridge crossing the canal, and back onto the path heading to Newbury. Stay on the towpath which takes you into Newbury.Once you get into Newbury, look out for Victoria Park on the left. This is where you finish this part of the walk.  | | This is the view of Newbury as you leave the towpath |
If you reach the ringroad, you've gone too far. You've completed Part Four of the Berkshire Way Well Done! Berkshire Way Part Five | 
