Aldermaston Wharf Canal Walk
This Berkshire based village has some nice river and canalside trails to try.
This walk from the village takes you up to Aldermaston Wharf on the Kennet and Avon Canal. You then follow the towpath west to visit the neighbouring village of Woolhampton.
The walk starts in the village and then follows the Fisherman's Lane track north east to Padworth Mill where you cross the River Kennet. You head north here, passing the flooded gravel pits before arriving at Aldermaston Wharf. The wharf is a significant spot on the canal with a British Waterways visitor centre to explore. It includes a tea room and is located at the canal east of the lift bridge. Here you can pick up the canal towpath and follow it west to Woolhampton where there's a pretty lock, bridge and train station.
To continue your walking in the area you could visit the nearby Padworth Common Walk.
Aldermaston Wharf Canal Walk Ordnance Survey Map 
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Aldermaston Wharf Canal Walk Open Street Map 
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Aldermaston Wharf Canal Walk OS Map 
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Aldermaston Wharf Canal Walk Open Street Map 
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Pubs/Cafes
On the route stop off at the Aldermaston Tea Rooms for refreshments. The tea rooms are located in a lovely spot by the canal at the Wharf. You can sit outside in the garden area and enjoy a cream tea with views of the water. The cafe can be found at Wharfside, RG7 4JS.
Dog Walking
The waterside trails make for a pleasant dog walk. The tea room mentioned above is also dog friendly with water bowls available.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Head south to the nearby town of Tadley and you could enjoy woodland trails around the expansive Pamber Forest before heading to the ancient Roman Fort at Silchester.
Head east and you can enjoy canal walks, river trails and a visit to the wildlife rich Hosehill Lake Nature Reserve on the Theale Walk.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Berkshire Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Aldermaston Village
Aldermaston Wharf lock
Aldermaston Wharf. This is the original wharf (off to the right) on the Kennet navigation, now the Kennet and Avon canal, that served the village of Aldermaston, two miles to the south. Thus a small community grew up here in its own right. The lock was originally a turf-sided lock, like all of them on the Kennet navigation between Reading and Newbury. It was rebuilt in 1984 during the restoration of the canal. The flats have been built during the last few years on the site of the former Sterling Cables works. Various canoeists are seen practising for the Devizes to Westminster canoe race, that takes place over the Easter weekend. The swans ignore all the activity and go about their business.
Kennet and Avon Canal west of Aldermaston. Beyond Aldermaston Wharf the canal soon becomes rural again. The railway, although just behind the trees on the left, hardly intrudes here. The area behind the left bank used to be the Sterling Cables factory.
Padworth Mill
Cottages by the canal
Frouds Lane Bridge. This used to be a swing bridge across the canal (like many in the area). However, when the canal was restored the lie of the land (a rise to the north over the railway line) allowed a high level road bridge to be built. Constructed 1989.
Woolhampton swing bridge. Frequently used swing bridge on a busy minor road. The river Kennet is very fast flowing and inexperienced boats are often caught out here. Bridge rebuilt 1990. This location was probably the last physical barrier to through navigation on the Kennet and Avon Canal. The old bridge was removed during July 1990 and boats first allowed through on 17th July 1990, the first for over 40 years.