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Highclere public walks

Posted by (Southeastern U.S. ) on

We are visiting England in early June, and I understand from Highclere's website that they will not yet be open to the public for summer tours. I know there are a handful of public walking paths that are "open" even when the grounds are closed, and I can envision a lovely half-day spent ambling around the woods and gardens, possibly with a small picnic. Does anyone know how close these public paths get to the house itself? I'd love to be able to at least see the famous facade, even if we can't go inside.

Thanks!

Posted by
32752 posts

That area would be at the very bottom of an Ordnance Survey OS Explorer 158 Newbury map. Or it may be at the very top left hand corner of a 144, Basingstoke.

There are a number of footpaths in the area, are there throughout the entire country. This country is well and truly honeycombed with footpaths.

I've never been off the A34 as I headed by to try to find the castle - it doesn't mean anything to me I'm afraid - but looking at the map I expect that it would be hard to see from the footpaths. Most of the footpaths in that area are in woodland, and most stately homes like their privacy. Do you know how to read a topo map?

Posted by
3122 posts

In June a lovely half-day out walking could be great--and as Nigel says, the countryside is honeycombed with footpaths if you can read the map to find/follow them. These foot traffic rights of way are respected as long as you stay on the path, close any gates behind you, don't litter etc.

However, keep an eye on the weather and be flexible. Traveling with rain gear is one thing when you're in and out of the car and buildings, but being out in the open for hours in a downpour is something else. Or getting all muddy because of heavy rain the previous day. Another potential hazard is livestock as the footpath can go through a landowner's cattle pasture; I remember once having a bit of a staredown with an Aberdeen Angus bull and wondering if I'd live to tell about it.

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