WelcomeWelcome to the 2008 edition <strong>of</strong> Up! on the <strong>North</strong> <strong>Wessex</strong> <strong>Downs</strong>. The <strong>North</strong><strong>Wessex</strong> <strong>Downs</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Outstanding</strong> <strong>Natural</strong> <strong>Beauty</strong> (AONB) was designatedby government as a protected landscape in 1972 to conserve and enhance itsnatural beauty.The <strong>North</strong> <strong>Wessex</strong> <strong>Downs</strong> AONB is the largest in southern England, and stretches fromDevizes to Reading, and from Swindon to Basingstoke. It includes the Berkshire, Lambourn,Marlborough, <strong>North</strong> Hampshire and Oxfordshire <strong>Downs</strong>, and such wonderful sites asAvebury, the Ridgeway National Trail, the Uffington White Horse and Watership Down.A map on the back cover <strong>of</strong> this magazine shows its full extent.The natural beauty <strong>of</strong> the <strong>North</strong> <strong>Wessex</strong> <strong>Downs</strong> AONB is conserved and enhanced bya wide range <strong>of</strong> individuals and organisations that come together as a Council <strong>of</strong> Partners.Members <strong>of</strong> the Council <strong>of</strong> Partners include farmers, local communities, natureconservation, archaeology and recreation interests, local authorities and <strong>Natural</strong> Englandand the Forestry Commission.I am privileged to lead the <strong>North</strong> <strong>Wessex</strong> <strong>Downs</strong> AONB team that advises andimplements the decisions, policies and activities <strong>of</strong> the Council <strong>of</strong> Partners that ensurethis wonderful landscape is protected for the future.This magazine contains a mine <strong>of</strong> information about the history, and current and futuremanagement <strong>of</strong> the <strong>North</strong> <strong>Wessex</strong> <strong>Downs</strong>, ideas for day-trips and walks, and where to buyfood and other products grown and produced here. Please visit our website atwww.northwessexdowns.org.uk for the latest news and events.Fiona NewcombeDirectorContact us<strong>North</strong> <strong>Wessex</strong> <strong>Downs</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Outstanding</strong> <strong>Natural</strong> <strong>Beauty</strong>Call: 01488 685440Email: info@northwessexdowns.org.ukwww.northwessexdowns.org.ukFront cover image:Information in hereonce decided…Produced for the <strong>North</strong> <strong>Wessex</strong> <strong>Downs</strong>AONB Office by Fellows Media LtdThe Gallery, Manor Farm, Southam,Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL52 3PB.Tel: 01242 259241Email: jo@fellowsmedia.comEvery effort has been made to ensurethe accuracy <strong>of</strong> the contents and thepublisher cannot accept liability forany error or omissions. Reproduction<strong>of</strong> any part <strong>of</strong> this publication withoutpermission is forbidden.<strong>UP</strong>! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS 3
Out & aboutWhether it’s antique shopping in Hungerford, exploring therare wildlife in Savernake Forest, or hiking up the hill whereSt George reputedly killed the dragon… a visit to the<strong>North</strong> <strong>Wessex</strong> <strong>Downs</strong> certainly won’t disappointANGLINGThe River Kennet and River Lambourn are two <strong>of</strong> thecountry’s best chalk streams, and their clear watersand high alkaline content <strong>of</strong>fer rich pickings for anglers.The Environment Agency is incubating salmon eggs onthe banks <strong>of</strong> these rivers as part <strong>of</strong> the Thames SalmonProject, to find out if sustainable breeding is apossibility. If successful, this will be yet another visitordraw.The River Pang, also within the AONB, is a chalkstream winding its way through peaceful countryside.It supports native populations <strong>of</strong> brown trout andgrayling. If you would prefer to cast your line from thetowpath <strong>of</strong> the Kennet and Avon Canal, you can do sothroughout the year but you will need to contact theholders <strong>of</strong> the appropriate lease at the local anglingassociation or fishing club.“clear waters andhigh alkaline content<strong>of</strong>fer rich pickingsfor anglers”RIDINGLambourn Valley, or the Valley <strong>of</strong> the Racehorse asit’s sometimes known, is rife with equine activity.After Newmarket, Lambourn is the most importantcentre for horse racing in Britain, with more than2,000 horses being trained here.The springy turf <strong>of</strong>the chalk downs, and wide open spaces <strong>of</strong> the areamake it perfect for breeding and training, andperfect too for visitors to head out for a gallop.You can choose from several long-distanceriding routes across the <strong>North</strong><strong>Wessex</strong> <strong>Downs</strong>AONB to explore the wonderful countryside andmarvel at the far-reaching views. Less experiencedriders can enjoy a peaceful trek from one <strong>of</strong> themany riding stables in the area using the extensivenetwork <strong>of</strong> bridleways.CYCLINGIf you prefer to explore the area’s unspoiltvillages and spectacular rolling downlands on twowheels rather than two legs, there are plenty <strong>of</strong>clearly signposted and well-maintained routes atyour disposal.The National Cycle Network <strong>of</strong>fers 173 miles <strong>of</strong>routes within <strong>North</strong> <strong>Wessex</strong> <strong>Downs</strong>, including 65blissful traffic-free miles. The water-loving cyclistcould do well to try out the newly improvedsections <strong>of</strong> the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath,Route 4 <strong>of</strong> the Network. After an invigorating ridealong the cool paths <strong>of</strong> Savernake Forest, why notenjoy a barbecue in the Forestry Commission’scampsite before falling asleep in the shade <strong>of</strong> itsancient trees.The only privately owned forest inBritain, owned by 31 generations <strong>of</strong> the same family,Savernake is also a Site <strong>of</strong> Special Scientific Interest,boasting deer, birds <strong>of</strong> prey and rare lichen and fungi.The only problem with planning a day’s cycling in<strong>North</strong> <strong>Wessex</strong> <strong>Downs</strong> is deciding which route to takeand which <strong>of</strong> the pretty, unspoilt villages to have apint and a pit stop in.The three-hour Myths andMagic Ride takes in sights such as Uffington Castleand its famous white horse chalk carving, beforeclimbing Dragon Hill on which St George is said tohave slain the beast – no grass grows at the top <strong>of</strong>the mound, as it is believed that is where the bloodwas shed.CANAL BOATINGDrifting along the Kennet and Avon Canal in abrightly painted narrow boat, watching the thatchedcottages and rolling fields pass by, you’ll wonderwhy you ever used any other form <strong>of</strong> transport.Built more than 200 years ago to connect the WestCountry to the Thames and London, the canal hasrecently been lovingly restored thanks to theHeritage Lottery Fund and the efforts <strong>of</strong> thousands<strong>of</strong> volunteers. It now provides the perfect means <strong>of</strong>enjoying the countryside and attractive market towns,like Hungerford with its array <strong>of</strong> antique shops andPewsey with its quaint timbered cottages, from thecomfort <strong>of</strong> your own home-from-home.GLIDINGYou can never really appreciate the beauty <strong>of</strong> a placeuntil you’ve seen it from the air, which is probablywhy gliding is becoming so popular in this area. TheVale <strong>of</strong> White Horse Gliding Centre in Shrivenham,Oxfordshire, and Shalbourne Soaring Society nearHungerford both welcome novices and experiencedglider pilots.WalkingFrom a secluded woodland stroll or refreshingriverside ramble, to a brisk hike to the top <strong>of</strong>the downs where the outstanding views willfar outweigh the effort it takes to get there,the countryside <strong>of</strong> this area is so rich inhistory that you can’t fail to come acrossfascinating points <strong>of</strong> interest while outwalking. There are the grey wethers, orsarsen stones, which are large, ancientrocks dotted about in fields as if a giant hasbeen playing marbles; Walbury hill fortstanding 974 feet (297 metres) above sealevel at Combe Gibbett; or even the village<strong>of</strong> Little Wittenham which has the proudhonour <strong>of</strong> playing host each year to theWorld Pooh-sticks Championships.It would be a shame to come to this <strong>Area</strong><strong>of</strong> <strong>Outstanding</strong> <strong>Natural</strong> <strong>Beauty</strong> (AONB) andnot walk along the oldest route in England.The Ridgeway National Trail is 5,000 yearsold and around 85 miles long. Parts <strong>of</strong> it areused to train racehorses so watch your back!Two <strong>of</strong> Hampshire’s fine long-distancewalks begin high on the chalk downs atInkpen Beacon in the <strong>North</strong> <strong>Wessex</strong> <strong>Downs</strong>:The Test Way (44 miles long) whichmeanders along the course <strong>of</strong> the River Testto Eling; and The Wayfarer’s Walk, extending70 miles to the coast near Portsmouth.Thelatter links up with six circular walks <strong>of</strong>varying distances, traverses Watership Down,made famous by Richard Adams’ best-sellingbook, and takes in dramatic coastline,woodland, rolling hills and lush, green valleys.
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