GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

Ashbury Walks

9.94 miles (16 km)

This delightful Oxfordshire village is in a great spot for exploring the surrounding countryside of the Berkshire Downs. It's a very pretty place with quaint thatched cottages, a fine old church, a village pub and lots of great options for walkers.
This circular walk from the village uses sections of the D'arcy Dalton Way, the Lambourn Valley Way and The Ridgeway National Trail to visit two of the historic highlights of the area at Wayland's Smithy and the Uffington White Horse. You'll also pass the National Trust's Ashdown House which lies just to the south of the settlement. The 17th-century Dutch-style house is surrounded by scenic woodland and parkland with features including a maze, an ornamental parterre garden and Balleroy Highland ponies.
On the route there are also some hill climbs with tremendous views over the surrounding North Wessex Downs AONB.

Postcode

SN6 8NA - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Ashbury OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Ashbury Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Walks near Ashbury

  • The Ridgeway - Step back in time on this wonderful 85 mile route which follows an ancient chalk ridge route used by prehistoric man The trail starts at Overton Hill in Wiltshire on the edge of the Marlborough Downs and heads east through the Chiltern Hills to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire
  • Wayland's Smithy - Visit this fascinating Neolithic long barrow and chamber tomb on this circular walk on the The Ridgeway
  • Uffington White Horse - This short circular walk visits White Horse Hill and the Iron Age hillfort of Uffington Castle near Swindon. The area is historically significant with the 3000 year old prehistoric white horse hill figure and the hillfort located close together. The castle sits at a height of 860 feet (262m) above sea level making it the highest point in Oxfordshire. Also of interest is Dragon Hill, said to be the site where St. George slew the dragon. It's a very attractive area with chalk downland and lovely views over the Berkshire Downs.
  • Lambourn Valley Way - Travel from Oxfordshire into Berkshire along the Lambourn Valley Way and enjoy woodland, parkland and a series of quaint towns and villages
  • Wantage - The Oxfordshire town of Wantage is in a great location for exploring a lovely section of the Ridgeway
  • Ardington - This pretty village is located in the Vale of White Horse in Oxfordshire, just to the east of Wantage
  • Letcombe Regis - This Oxfordshire based village includes a pleasant local nature reserve and a noteworthy Iron Age hill fort on the Ridgeway National Trail.
  • East Hendred - This rural village in Oxfordshire is located in the North Wessex Downs AONB and the historic Vale of White Horse near the settlements of Ardington and Wantage
  • Darcy Dalton Way - This long distance walking trail runs through the Oxfordshire countryside from Wormleighton Reservoir to Wayland's Smithy near Ashbury.

Pubs/Cafes

The Rose and Crown is a fine place for some post walk refreshments. The inn includes a charming interior with a cosy fire while outside there's a lovely garden area for warmer weather.
You can find them on the High Street at postcode SN6 8NA for your sat navs.

Dog Walking

The hills and woodland are a great place for fit dogs. The Rose and Crown mentioned above is also dog friendly.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

For more walking ideas in the area see the North Wessex Downs Walks page.

Photos

High Street, Ashbury, Oxfordshire - geograph.org.uk - 4525432

High Street, Ashbury, Oxfordshire

The Rose ^ Crown Inn on High Street - geograph.org.uk - 4126451

The Rose and Crown Inn on High Street

St Mary the Virgin, Ashbury - geograph.org.uk - 1365151

St Mary the Virgin, Ashbury

Wayland's Smithy - geograph.org.uk - 1816196

Wayland's Smithy

The Ridgeway, near Wayland's Smithy - geograph.org.uk - 3278031

The Ridgeway, near Wayland's Smithy

The White Horse of Uffington - geograph.org.uk - 2213403

The White Horse of Uffington

View from Western Avenue, Ashdown House, Lambourn - geograph.org.uk - 1874523

View from Western Avenue, Ashdown House, Lambourn

Ashdown House and its south lodge, Lambourn - geograph.org.uk - 1874182

Ashdown House and its south lodge, Lambourn

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Ashbury.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)