Along the Portway
Walk / HikeActivities

The Brenda Parker Way

in Penwood

📷 Photo by Graham Horn · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

This thirteen-mile circular walking route takes you through some of the countryside's finest landscapes, combining ancient woodlands, open farmland, and quiet country lanes in one satisfying loop.

Visit website → 35 km 7h 4min hard

The walk is named after Brenda Parker, a local parish clerk and conservationist who spent years protecting and maintaining the footpaths around here, making it possible for everyone to get out and explore. It's a proper tribute to someone who genuinely cared about keeping the area accessible.

The terrain is gentle, with rolling hills rather than anything steep, and the path is well-marked throughout so you won't find yourself lost. You'll get some lovely views as you go, and if you're lucky you'll catch sight of Highclere Castle in the distance. There are plenty of spots along the way to stop and catch your breath, take in the surroundings, or just sit for a bit with a sandwich.

The walk starts and finishes near Penwood itself, which makes it straightforward to organize. Newbury, a proper market town, is only a short drive away if you need supplies before you set out or want somewhere to grab a proper meal afterwards. This is a good route if you want to experience the quieter, more rural character of the region without having to travel too far.

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The route

35 km7h 4min+524m elevation hard

What's on nearby

Nearby as the crow flies

6
Reference & sources
51.28510°N, 1.30314°W Data: osm