7 on this walk, including 2 first timers who had each independently turned up at Kintbury Station expecting to join 20 others who had signed up for a "SWC" meet up group walk. Despite the initial confusion they were happy to join us, and one at least may have been converted to the cause. Leaving aside my being navigationally challenged at one point, we reached the lunchtime pub the Swan at Lower Inkpen, without incident. The problem came with the pub itself, which was like the Mary Celeste devoid of life. A hand written signed on the door simply said "Closed", and gave a telephone number for those wishing to buy organic beef. It looked somewhat forlorn and deserted, but the shrubbery had recently been pruned, and all of the tables in the restaurant section were laid with cutlery and crown folded napkins, which seemed somewhat odd. Lacking an alternative lunch venue (the next one on route was six miles away at Bedwyn where the walk ended) we sat on the picnic tables outside and shared out what food we had.

(Having looked at the pub's website when I got back, it transpires that it closed on 22 April. There is no explanation as to why, and no indication whether the closure is temporary or permanent, though a comment elsewhere on the internet suggest the latter. This somewhat puts the mockers on this walk as it is, though looking at the map, it might be possible to divert from the exiting route at Titcomb to go South to the Crown and Garter at Inkpen Common and then west to re join the original route near Northcroft Farm.)

Thus refreshed we pressed on at differing speeds, and as a result the group split up. The two of us out front arrived in Bedwyn with time to spare before the train for a swift pint, which is when we discovered the second casualty the Cross Keys has also closed. Thankfully the Three Tuns is still open and provided welcome refreshment.

An enjoyable walk with fine views from the ridge in the afternoon, though the path here (a byway) is heavily rutted, with the ruts often hidden in the long grass, which is potentially treacherous. overcast but dry , aside from a few spots of rain in the wind during the afternoon.

Plan to go

4 on this lovely walk on a warm day with occasional strong breezes especially on the ridge. Swan Inn was very quiet but the two who ate there reported it good. I walked on after lunch by myself, waited for the others but didn't see them and caught the 16.44 train. Cross Keys pub in Bedwyn looks like a private house now but I think the Three Tuns is still open. This is a great walk, wonderful views of wide open countryside, saw red kites close above our heads and later a hare sitting on the path. Should be walked more often!

4 warm with occasional strong breezes

Intend going

17 on this walk. The weather was cold and grey but the song of chaffinches (first I have heard this year), greenfinch and song thrushes promised that spring is on its way, and Kintbury churchyard was a glorious carpet of snowdrops. The morning was pleasant and the steep climb up onto the downs after it was bracing. The circular route then takes you along a ridge as fine as any on the South Downs but without the ghastly rutted track of the main walk. Pregnant ewes eyed us along the way. It would be nice to do this in summer with the skies blue and the larks singing....

The Swan in Inkpen got mixed reviews. About half enjoyed hearty hot lunches. The other half had barely warm dishes that would have done with more time in the microwave. The pub has just reopened after a January break and someone had forgotten to put on the heating.

The Dundas Arms at the end looked like it would be an idyllic riverside pub in summer. It served a huge pot of tea and then in keeping with midweek walk traditions we rushed for the first available train. Four of us had to duck under a descending level crossing barrier to catch it, doubtless earning us a place on some Stupid Stunts on the Railway reality TV show.

Some of us pressed on having gobbled our sandwiches before the pub lunchers had been served. We thought it best to get on the train rather than stop at the tea place, which turned out to be a good decision as far as I'm concerned, as I didn;t get home till 8.

A typical "to the Downs, up the Downs, along the Downs, down the Downs" walk, with a fair few woods, field boundaries and lanes thrown in for good measure. Fine views from the ridge of the West Berkshire Downs, hardly a soul in sight, just the odd drizzle attempt to contend with. Pleasant stop at the Swan Inn, although the pub was disconcertingly empty. Only negative really is the fact that the path on the ridge is a byway, resulting in deep tyre tracks making walking hard work.10 walkers, all returning on the 17.39 train.

from Ealing Broadway 9:50, change at Reading 10:38 (arr) and 10:48 (dep).

sounds like really nice walk, plan going and take the short version.

This is an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'. Have not been to this area before. A late start suits me. Count me in.

A great walk with many different vistas perhaps let down by the lunchtime pub. After the downs section, I doubled back to take a peak at the Crown and Garter This looked a lot more capable at producing meals. It also had a bakery (also with indoor/outdoor seating which served hot savoury morsels, tea pigs tea and yummy cakes. Both situated in a very pleasant environment with views of the Test Way. Definitely worth considering as an alternative lunch venue.
The accidental anarchist

23 25 lost count, sunny all day, all did short version, ie 11 miles, except 1 who did long 14+ miles. We met up with him at the train station at 5:50pm. Some stayed in the pub near the train station for refreshment for a later train others took takeaway tea and drinks to consume on the train. Enjoyable and exhausting (felt more than 11 miles somehow.)