UP! - North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

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 theNorth Wessex Downs certainly won’t disappointANGLINGThe River Kennet and River Lambourn are two of thecountry’s best chalk streams, and their clear watersand high alkaline content offer rich pickings for anglers.The Environment Agency is incubating salmon eggs onthe banks of these rivers as part of 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 of brown trout andgrayling. If you would prefer to cast your line from thetowpath of the Kennet and Avon Canal, you can do sothroughout the year but you will need to contact theholders of the appropriate lease at the local anglingassociation or fishing club.“clear waters andhigh alkaline contentoffer rich pickingsfor anglers”RIDINGLambourn Valley, or the Valley of 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 ofthe chalk downs, and wide open spaces of 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 NorthWessex DownsAONB to explore the wonderful countryside andmarvel at the far-reaching views. Less experiencedriders can enjoy a peaceful trek from one of themany riding stables in the area using the extensivenetwork of bridleways.CYCLINGIf you prefer to explore the area’s unspoiltvillages and spectacular rolling downlands on twowheels rather than two legs, there are plenty ofclearly signposted and well-maintained routes atyour disposal.The National Cycle Network offers 173 miles ofroutes within North Wessex Downs, including 65blissful traffic-free miles. The water-loving cyclistcould do well to try out the newly improvedsections of the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath,Route 4 of the Network. After an invigorating ridealong the cool paths of Savernake Forest, why notenjoy a barbecue in the Forestry Commission’scampsite before falling asleep in the shade of itsancient trees.The only privately owned forest inBritain, owned by 31 generations of the same family,Savernake is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest,boasting deer, birds of prey and rare lichen and fungi.The only problem with planning a day’s cycling inNorth Wessex Downs is deciding which route to takeand which of 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 ofthe 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 of 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 of thousandsof volunteers. It now provides the perfect means ofenjoying the countryside and attractive market towns,like Hungerford with its array of antique shops andPewsey with its quaint timbered cottages, from thecomfort of your own home-from-home.GLIDINGYou can never really appreciate the beauty of a placeuntil you’ve seen it from the air, which is probablywhy gliding is becoming so popular in this area. TheVale of 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 ofthe downs where the outstanding views willfar outweigh the effort it takes to get there,the countryside of this area is so rich inhistory that you can’t fail to come acrossfascinating points of 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 villageof Little Wittenham which has the proudhonour of playing host each year to theWorld Pooh-sticks Championships.It would be a shame to come to this Areaof Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) andnot walk along the oldest route in England.The Ridgeway National Trail is 5,000 yearsold and around 85 miles long. Parts of it areused to train racehorses so watch your back!Two of Hampshire’s fine long-distancewalks begin high on the chalk downs atInkpen Beacon in the North Wessex Downs:The Test Way (44 miles long) whichmeanders along the course of the River Testto Eling; and The Wayfarer’s Walk, extending70 miles to the coast near Portsmouth.Thelatter links up with six circular walks ofvarying distances, traverses Watership Down,made famous by Richard Adams’ best-sellingbook, and takes in dramatic coastline,woodland, rolling hills and lush, green valleys.