APR25: Roundheads and Jack O'Newbury
15 people attending
0 places left
1 person waitlisted
This event is one of loads of events taking place over the same weekend! Check out all the events over the weekend of 4-6 April 2025: OutdoorLads.events/APR25. Great for new and regular members!
Waitlist: This event may become fully booked, however, if you'd like to attend, add yourself to the waitlist, places often become available closer to the date, and chances are you may still get a place.
Newbury is a quaint little market town in West Berkshire, at the edge of the downs. From Saxon beginnings, it grew to become the market for local farms shipping products down the Kennet and on into London. One famous "record breaking" event being the production of a whole suit from shearing the wool to shipping in a day, by local clothier John Winchcombe - "Jack O'Newbury". It's other early notable event was the civil war siege, where the Roundheads of Cromwell's army kept Newbury's overlooking Donnington Castle blockaded for 20 months.
Our walk starts out through the town and onto the Kennet and Avon Canal; heading upstream, we pass under the A34 Newbury by-pass, through the wetlands fought-for by "Swampy" and briefly follow the route of the Ermine Way (a Roman road). Heading north, we'll reach the River Lambourn which we'll follow downstream to the Watermill Theater. Our last leg is up the hill to Donnington Castle and back into town for a well earnt drink.
Is it dog friendly?
Well behaved dogs are welcome but please note and abide by the Countryside Code (https://tinyurl.com/rlqvp3h) and we will be walking through fields containing livestock. Please also remember not everyone loves dogs as much as you do so please be mindful of other members. If you have an questions get in touch by message (I don't always see the comments).
New Members
Please feel free to join this as your first OutdoorLads event. If you have any questions then feel free to message me, or go to the "My First Event" section under "About Us".
Image / photo credits: All leader's own images - with permission for OutdoorLads to use and reuse.
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What to bring
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking, trainers are OK if the ground is dry and there’s little chance of rain
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated
Food & drink
Please bring sufficient food and drink for the walk. We will have regular breaks and a picnic lunch.