swcwalks book2, walk9, Kintbury Circular (shorter). 8/10/26

A return to Kintbury to complete the trilogy of walks in this area. This one is the shorter circular of 12 miles ('officially' 11), done in reverse. It was undertaken on a breezy afternoon with sunny intervals. Crossing over the Kennet and Avon Canal after leaving the station, it's past the former mill and on through the village to join the NCN 246. Lunch is had at a cafe that adjoins the pub in Inkpen. Thereafter, it's a slow ascent along field edges and across the downs to reach the Wayfarers' Walk and then near to the highest point in the South East, Walbury Hill (974 feet). There are great views from the ridge, on both sides, and a purposely positioned gibbet! After a sharp descent initially, it's on along more field edges, quiet lanes, copses and horse paddocks back to Kintbury station. A very nice area that isn't, surprisingly, too badly afflicted by Heathrow jet noise and this particular section of the Test Way/Pewsey Vale Circular isn't as rutted as that going to Great Bedwyn. Just a shame that there's not more public transport around. P.S. The 'Linnets' in the puddle are, in fact, Meadow Pipits.