A choice of leisurely walks exploring the picturesque market town of Hungerford, its surrounds
including the Kennet and Avon canal, with lots of natural and historical interest.
There are two loops to choose from starting in the centre of Hungerford; they can be joined together to make a longer walk (approx.2.5 hours). Both walks include country paths and can be wet and muddy, walking boots are recommended. Be aware that livestock can be present.

Route Directions

Loop A – Hungerford Common and Canal towpath – 2.25 miles

A1. From the railway bridge, walk up the High Street. Pass Church Street on your right and Park Street on your left, keep walking until shortly after The Borough Arms you reach a house called ‘Salisbury House’.
A2. Go through a brick arch to the left of the house and up steps onto a footpath. At the end of the path is a road. Go straight across (signed Hungerford Primary School) and walk up the road until it becomes a path onto Hungerford Common/Port Down.
A3. Walk directly ahead across the open common land to reach a junction of roads. At the junction of 4 roads, take the unmade road until the trees thicken.
A4. Turn left across the common between two fenced trees to reach the road, a 30mile limit sign and a finger post of footpath signs. Watching out for traffic cross the road and walk down to the road bridge over the railway (Duns Mill overbridge). Continue down the lane to reach the canal.
A5. Turn left along the towpath towards Hungerford. Getting close to the town pass bridge number 83.
A6. At Hungerford bridge, no 84, turn left to rejoin the High Street. You will see the railway bridge where you started a short way up the High Street.

Loop B – St Lawrence’s Church and Marsh – 1.75 miles
B1. From the railway bridge, walk down the High Street towards the bridge over the canal. Keep on the path left of the bridge, passing the Tutti Pole Tea shop.
B2. Turn left onto the canal towpath and continue along the towpath to St Lawrence’s Church.
B3. At the crossroads of paths, turn right across the canal and then the river onto Freeman’s Marsh (can be flooded in extreme wet weather). Follow the path though the reedbeds. At a 2nd bridge cross the river and through the gate. Keep to the path by the fence with the river on your right.
B4. When you reach a crossroad of paths (with a bridge to your right and a gate ahead) turn left, cross the bridge over a stream and head for the canal bridge and lock. Cross the canal and turn left along the towpath back to the church.
B5. At the church take the right path to walk through the churchyard, then keep left along Parsonage Lane (passed The Croft) and down an alleyway back into Hungerford High Street. Turn right on the High Street and you will see the railway bridge where you started a short way up the High Street.

Points of Interest

• Hungerford – is an historic market town with some interesting buildings. The street plan you see today, with a north-south High Street, was laid out in the 13th century on the footprint of an older village. For more information about Hungerford and Heritage Trail, see Heritage Trail – (visithungerford.com)
• Kennet and Avon Canal – is 87 miles long and links London with the Bristol Channel. Find out more Hungerford Wharf | Places to visit | Canal & River Trust (canalrivertrust.org.uk)
• Freeman’s Marsh – With the chalk stream of the River Dun winding gently through it Freeman’s Marsh has an abundance of wildlife making it a worthwhile place to visit throughout the year. Colourful wetland wildflowers include yellow iris, southern marsh-orchid and marsh marigolds throughout spring and summer and there are records of over 120 different bird species including heron, kingfisher, little grebe and water rails. The site is owned and managed by the Town & Manor of Hungerford. Freeman’s Marsh – Town and Manor of Hungerford