The Equilateral Triangle

Approximate time: 50 mins.  Distance 1.5 miles or 2.4km

Start map reference: What3words: skate.faces.sensible; Map ref: SU5798.6187.

A pleasant, easy walk especially attractive in early afternoon or late evening after rush—hour when traffic is minimal.  There is an option of a longer homeward route to further investigate the Baughurst countryside.  Except in wet weather, wellingtons are not necessary, however if the longer route is chosen you may need stout boots in the spring and autumn as the path can be quite wet.  Dogs should be kept on a lead throughout this walk which crosses many farm fields.

From the War Memorial proceed southwest along Wolverton Road leaving the Badgers Wood (This was the New Inn in the 1977 version!) on the right, for approximately 700m to Inhurst Farm.  As you pass the houses on your left, behind which is the Great Copse woodland, you should take in the good views south over Kingsclere Downs and east to Baughurst Church.  On the right you will see the Inhurst Farm stables where racehorses are often grazing.

Turn left down Violet Lane and almost immediately turn left again at the signpost (Footpath No. II), through gate and along the verge of an arable field.

Keep to the edge of the field and bear right at end of field.   Still keeping to the edge of the field, turn left at the gap in the copse.  There is a footpath sign to guide.  In the little copse, cross the small stream using the walkway and emerge into another arable field.

Proceed along the right side of hedge for 400m, until reaching a pedestrian gate.  Then along 3m wide earth track between Curtis Farm and Curtis Cottage.

Around this point you should spot the old LNER railway gate sign.  Question is what actually is 40 shillings in today’s currency?

Continue along gravel road (Chapel Lane) until reaching Baughurst Road.  Turn left, and now there are two options.  Either continue along Baughurst Road passing the old Police Station and the old Post Office on the left and thence back to the War Memorial.

Alternatively, opposite Bullers Farm, take the right turn onto the track at the footpath sign.  After 60m turn left onto footpath between trees at the edge of the field and at the back of the houses along Baughurst Road.  The pathway can be muddy in wet weather as the ditches either side can become blocked but offers some great views over the farmland to the west.  The path goes north for about 400m before emerging between houses onto Bishopswood Lane.  Turn left and follow Bishopswood Lane back to the War Memorial.

Having earned a tasty meal or snack, the options are a return to the Badgers Wood pub for a meal and a pint or a short (400m) walk north along Heath End Road where Gourmet Queens will be pleased to serve a refreshing coffee and snack.

The map of the walk is below, with the route in red and the alternative ending to the walk is in orange.  The alternative route will add about 400m onto the length of the walk, adding about 10 minutes to the total time.