Health Walks in the Goring Gap![]() Goring-on-Thames,
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The Bell at Aldworth (01635 578272) Distance: 8 miles from Goring village centre or 6 miles from Warren Farm Time: Allow 5 hours which includes time for eating and drinking at the Bell.
Walking Conditions (Full walk): Tarmac footpath and road for 2 miles then chalk track (Ridgeway) for 1½ miles, finally 1 mile of tarmac to the Bell. Return mainly by track. The last 2 miles retrace the road and footpath element of the start of the walk. Short walk starts at the beginning of the chalk track and finishes with ½ mile of tarmac roadway. Both long and short walk involves a steep climb from the Ridgeway car park but can be taken at a leisurely pace. Both routes are suitable for children, but an all terrain pushchair would be advisable for some stretches, particularly the descent Parking: Goring Village Car Park. (Pay & Display charges may
apply. Please check notices) Short walk begins at Warren Farm. See Ridgeway Car Park Map where
the parking is free.
Route (long): Leave the Village Car Park by the lane running past the public toilets.
At the High Street turn left and cross the road where safe to do so. Continue
across the river bridges. Continue onto a stone chipping path, passing Streatley recreation ground on the left. At the tarmaced road, turn left. Continue to the main road and turn right along the footpath beside the main road (A329) In 150 metres cross the road (with care) into Townsend Road. Continue to the top of road and turn left, then immediately right, into Rectory Road. (Take care crossing the A417 as traffic approaches fast from the right). Continue along Rectory Road past Goring & Streatley Golf Course. Continue for approximately 1 mile until you reach the Car Parking Area at the bottom of the chalk track. See Ridgeway Car Park Map (The short Walk starts here) Walk up the wide track admiring the views to the left (take care not to stumble on the rutted track which can also be slippery if wet). Continue for about one mile ignoring a track that goes off to the right. Keep straight ahead marked Ridgeway. At the next junction take the left path down hill signposted 'Byway'. Keep on this track until reaching a tarmaced road. Turn left and follow the road to the centre of Aldworth village The Bell
is found by keeping to the left and has the unrivalled reputation of being
the most unspoilt pub in
England and proudly displays the certificates to prove it. Once refreshed, take the picket gate on the far side of the garden and go left along the path and cross two fields to a rough track. Turn right and proceed to the road at Westridge Green (B4009). Taking care to face the oncoming traffic proceed straight on along the road towards Streatley until you come to the entrance to Westridge Farm on the left. Follow the footpath sign through the farmyard and along a track that descends into the valley. Take care as the track consists of loose stones and is quite steep in places. Continue down through the valley following the obvious path until you come to Rectory Road Turn right for Streatley and Goring, returning the way you came, via Townsend Road and Streatley recreation ground or keep right to the Bull at Streatley and then left down the High Street to the river bridges and the car park. Turn left if you began your walk at Warren Farm. The car park is about half a mile E-mail us and tell us if you liked this walk, or if you encountered problems with directions or expectations, by clicking here Go back to main Routes page If you want to print this route, you are advised to use Landscape orientation |