Finchampstead Ridges Circular Walk

This circular walk takes you through this peaceful common near Crowthorne. There are a number of delightful woodland trails, heather, bracken and two tranquil ponds to relax next to.... From the high points on the ridges there are wonderful views over the River Blackwater Valley. The walk also visits Simon's Wood where there is a very large Heath Pond. You can start the walk from the National Trust car park here at a postcode of RG45 6AE for your sat navs. Also look out for a variety of wildlife including the Green Woodpecker in this peaceful area.
You can easily extend your walk by heading to the nearby Tri Lakes Country Park, Horseshoe Lake or Yately Common Country Park for more lovely walking trails.
Postcode: RG45 6AE
Pubs and More Info
Head west into Finchampstead village and you could pay a visit to the Queen's Oak. The historic pub was originally called The White Horse, but renamed after Queen Victoria planted an oak tree opposite the pub. There's a cosy log fire indoors while outside you can enjoy your meal in the garden area in finer weather. It's located in a lovely spot, close to the pretty village green on Church Lane. Postcode for your sat navs is RG40 4LS.
If you wish to visit the area by public transport then Crowthorne Rail Station is located just to the east of the site, less than a mile away.
About a mile south of the site you'll find Tri Lakes Country Park and the Sandhurst Memorial Park. There's some lovely waterside footpaths passing around a series of lakes here. You can pick up the waymarked Three Castles Path in the park and follow it north east into Bracknell Forest and Swinley Forest near Ascott.
Just a couple of miles to the north west there's California Country Park where there are more good lakeside walking trails and wildlife watching opportunities.
Also nearby is the expansive Bramshill Forest where you can explore the RSPB's Hazeley Heath and look out for red kites, dartford warblers and deer. In nearby Hook there's also some pleasant trails along the River Whitewater in the pretty Bassets Mead park on the eastern side of the town.

For more walking ideas in the area see the Berkshire Walks page.

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Nearby Routes

Tri Lakes Country Park Blackwater Valley Footpath Wokingham Way Yately Common Country Park Bramshill Forest Bracknell Forest Ramblers Route Swinley Forest California Country Park Hook Three Castles Path Sandhurst Horseshoe Lake Wokingham - Gorrick Woods and Heath Lake Nature Reserve Walk

Photos

Finchampstead Ridges. The view of the Ridges from the shore of Horseshoe Lake.

View from Finchampstead Ridges. View over the Blackwater Valley and beyond.

Heath Pond, Simon's Wood. The lake, called Heath Pond, at Simon's Wood.

Heathland next to Heath Pool. The surroundings are part of the National Trust property, Simon's Wood.

View of The Queen's Oak Public House in the nearby Finchampstead village. Photo shows the attractive exterior and good sized car park at the pub.

Start of Wellingtonia Avenue. The grandeur of this avenue of trees can be appreciated from this view of the start of the avenue. It's located just to the south of the car park in Simon's Wood.

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