Snelsmore Common Country Park
This circular walk takes you around the peaceful Snelsmore Common Country Park in Newbury and on into the surrounding countryside along public footpaths.
The park comprises a variety of habitats including lowland heathland, heather, gorse, wet bog and woodland. Snelsmore is home to a number of rare birds including Nightjar, Woodcock and Kestrel. You can also see ponies, small deer and rabbits as you make your way along the parks many footpaths.
You can extend your walk by picking up the Lambourn Valley Way and following the River Lambourn through the surrounding countryside.
Just to the south of the common you will also find the medieval Donnington Castle. The castle grounds have nice trails to follow through the surrounding farmland and woodland.
Postcode
RG14 3BQ - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsPlease click here for more information
Snelsmore Common Country Park Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Snelsmore Common Country Park Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Snelsmore Common Country Park OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Snelsmore Common Country Park Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The on site Snugg Cafe is a nice place to enjoy some post walk rest and refreshment. They serve lovely cream teas and some delicious cakes here. You can find them on the Wantage Road at postcode RG143BQ for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
The heathland and woodland are ideal for dog walking. You will probably bump into other owners on your visit. Please keep them on leads during the bird nesting season (1 March - 31 July).
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The Ashford Hill Nature Reserve is also located near Newbury. There's lots of interesting wildife to see around the attractive water meadows in the reserve.
The lovely parkland and gardens surrounding Highclere Castle are another good local option. The stately home is famous as the venue for the T.V series 'Downton Abbey' and includes the excellent viewpoint of Beacon Hill.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Pretty heather on Snelsmore Common in late summer. Berkshire's largest area of heathland has been common since medieval times. Grazing ceased in the twentieth century, allowing the encroachment of woodland. The site became a country park in 1972. Since then clearance and grazing has taken place to restore the heathland habitat though significant areas of trees (mostly pine and birch) remain.
Bluebells in the woodland.
Footpath view.
A footpath heads southwest across the common which is here fairly open with scattered birch trees.
Winterbourne. Looking east towards Snelsmore Common from just outside Winterbourne, by the road to Boxford.
Pond where a building once stood