Watership Down, The Portway and the Harrow Way
14 people attending
1 place left
"Is it a kind of a dream?
Floating out on the tide
Following the river of death downstream
Oh, is it a dream?"
Well, no, it's not a dream. Watership Down (of fame from the Richard Adams book and sad TV adaptations) is a actually a real place, a few miles south of Newbury. It's part of the chalk ridge that the Wayfarer's Walk follows, and so will we for a short time before heading south, down to The Portway.
Unlike it's contemporary Roman Roads - the Fosse Way or Watling Street - the Portway doesn't have a current-day major road following it's route. It was the A4 of it's day, running from the trading post at Silchester through Old Sarum (an arrow's flight from today's Salisbury) and down to Dorchester. Our short section of it will save us having to walk on a horribly fast running parallel road, though probably at the expense of muddy boots. Heading south again, we will pick up the Harrow Way.
The Harrow Way is an ancient road (artifacts have been found dating c.600BC) running from Devon to Kent, following the side of the downs where it's sheltered from the worst of the weather and out of the water-logged valley bottoms. Nonetheless it does attract its fair share of mud in the winter months. Turning north after a few miles, we'll head back to the cars, with the option of stopping for a drink at The Vine in Hannington.
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".
Photos: All photos taken by L Pattison and permission given to OutdoorLads for their use.
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What to bring
The walk is mainly on chalk lanes and paths across open fields. If it is wet, the chalk becomes slippery and the field mud sticky, so good footwear with plenty of grip is recommended.
There is limited shelter on the route, either from the wind/rain or beating sunshine: please dress appropriately to the forecast, bringing waterproofs and a sun hat.
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
Bring a picnic lunch, sufficient snacks and drink for the day.