The Best Winter Walks in Berkshire

There is something rather special about exploring Berkshire in winter.

The countryside quietens down. Frost transforms familiar landscapes. Bare trees open up views you might miss during the summer months and a cold, bright morning provides the perfect excuse to wrap up warm and head outside.

And when you're staying at Cherry Bird Lodge Escape, some wonderful winter walks in Berkshire are right on your doorstep.

Wander beside the Kennet & Avon Canal, explore the countryside surrounding Newbury or head further into the North Wessex Downs for rolling hills, open landscapes and wonderfully big winter skies.

Best of all, you know exactly what's waiting when you return.

A warm lodge. Comfy clothes. And your own private hot tub.

Here are some of our favourite places to walk this winter.

Kennet & Avon Canal

For peaceful waterside wandering

We'll start with the obvious one.

One of the joys of staying at Cherry Bird is having the Kennet & Avon Canal so close by, making it incredibly easy to pull on your walking boots and enjoy a peaceful waterside wander.

And winter is a beautiful time to do it.

The canal meanders for 87 miles in total, passing through towns, villages and tranquil countryside. Its towpath makes it ideal for exploring on foot, while around Newbury you'll find plenty of wildlife along the water, including swans, ducks, geese and moorhens.

You don't need an elaborate route.

Simply wrap up, head for the towpath and see where it takes you.

Newbury and the canal towpath

For a walk with coffee at the end

Fancy combining your winter walk with a little time in town?

Head into Newbury and pick up the Kennet & Avon Canal towpath.

The canal passes right through the heart of the town, giving you the unusual combination of a waterside walk and plenty of opportunities to stop for coffee, lunch or a little shopping along the way.

From the town centre, you can follow the towpath east alongside Victoria Park towards Thatcham. Head west instead and you'll pass Newbury Lock and West Mills before continuing in the direction of Kintbury and Hungerford.

It makes a great option on those winter days when you want some fresh air without disappearing into the countryside for hours.

Walk as far as you fancy. Turn around. Find somewhere warm.

Simple.

Greenham and Crookham Commons

For wide-open winter landscapes

For something a little wilder, head to Greenham and Crookham Commons.

The commons form the largest continuous tract of open heath in Berkshire, providing a wonderfully spacious landscape of heathland and wildlife habitat. Visitors can explore the common on foot, with several walking trails and mostly level main tracks.

Winter suits this landscape particularly well.

On a crisp morning, there are big skies overhead, frost underfoot and plenty of space to simply walk.

Greenham also has a fascinating past as a former airbase, traces of which remain around the site, including the old fireplane and Control Tower.

If you're bringing your dog, winter is also a particularly convenient time to visit. Dogs may be off lead between 1 August and 28 February, provided they're kept under strict control; different restrictions apply during the ground-nesting bird season.

Snelsmore Common

For heathland, woodland and winter wildlife

Just north of Newbury you'll find Snelsmore Common, where heathland, wet mires and woodland create a completely different landscape to the canal.

There are various walking routes through the nature reserve, which can also be connected with surrounding footpaths. There's even a wheelchair and buggy-friendly path for those looking for a more accessible option.

Winter brings its own wildlife interest too, with winter thrushes, siskins and lesser redpolls among the seasonal birdlife recorded here.

Take your time.

Listen to the birds, enjoy the winter colours and make the most of being somewhere wonderfully peaceful.

Donnington Castle

For history with a view

Sometimes a winter walk is even better when there's something waiting at the top.

Donnington Castle sits just outside Newbury, and while only its impressive gatehouse and earthworks remain, the elevated position offers panoramic views across the surrounding countryside.

The short walk from the car park is uphill along a fairly steep gravel path, so sensible footwear is particularly important during winter. Once you've explored the ruins, you can continue onto local footpaths towards places including Snelsmore Common and Bagnor if you fancy stretching the walk further.

On a crisp, clear winter day, it's well worth the climb.

Please be advised that whilst dogs are welcome at the castle, they must be kept on leads.

The North Wessex Downs

For proper countryside adventures

When you want to make a day of it, head into the North Wessex Downs.

This nationally protected landscape is made for walking, with hundreds of miles of rights of way running through rolling downland, farmland, woodland, river valleys and picturesque villages.

And winter gives it a completely different character.

Think pale skies stretching above open hills, frosty footpaths, bare woodland and the sort of views that make you stop for a moment and simply take everything in.

There are walks for different abilities and distances, so you don't have to tackle a huge hike to experience the landscape.

Hungerford Common and the Kennet & Avon Canal

For a winter walk with a little bit of everything

If you fancy venturing further along the canal, make your way towards Hungerford.

The North Wessex Downs National Landscape recommends two leisurely circular walks around Hungerford, of approximately 1.75 miles and four miles, which can also be combined into a longer route. They take in the picturesque market town and surrounding landscape, including the Kennet & Avon Canal.

It's a lovely option when you want to turn your winter walk into more of a day out.

Explore the canal. Wander through town. Find somewhere cosy for lunch.

Then head back to Cherry Bird as daylight begins to fade.