Victoria Park and Greenham and Crookham Common Nature Reserve Loop

Starting near West Berkshire, England, the Victoria Park and Greenham and Crookham Common Nature Reserve Loop is a delightful 19 km (approximately 11.8 miles) loop trail with no significant elevation gain, making it accessible for a wide range of hikers. The trailhead is conveniently located near the town of Newbury, which is well-connected by public transport and easily accessible by car.

Getting There For those traveling by public transport, Newbury is served by regular train services from London Paddington, Reading, and other major cities. From Newbury train station, it's a short walk to the trailhead. If you're driving, you can park at the Victoria Park car park, which is close to the starting point.

Trail Overview The trail begins at Victoria Park, a charming urban park in Newbury, where you can enjoy well-maintained gardens, a boating lake, and a children's playground. As you leave the park, you'll head towards the Kennet and Avon Canal, a historic waterway that played a crucial role in the industrial era. Walking along the towpath, you'll pass by narrowboats and might even spot some swans and ducks.

Greenham Common Around 5 km (3.1 miles) into the hike, you'll reach Greenham Common, a former military airbase with a rich history. During the Cold War, it was a key site for the United States Air Force and played a significant role in NATO's defense strategy. Today, it's a nature reserve with open heathland, grassland, and woodlands. The common is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, and numerous bird species. Keep an eye out for skylarks and kestrels as you walk through this area.

Crookham Common Continuing on, you'll enter Crookham Common, which seamlessly connects with Greenham Common. This area offers a mix of heathland and woodland, providing a diverse habitat for flora and fauna. The trail here is well-marked and relatively flat, making for an easy and enjoyable walk. You'll find several information boards along the way, detailing the local wildlife and the history of the commons.

Points of Interest - **Greenham Control Tower**: Approximately 8 km (5 miles) into the hike, you'll come across the Greenham Control Tower, now a visitor center and café. It's a great spot to take a break and learn more about the area's history. - **Sandleford Priory**: As you loop back towards Newbury, you'll pass near Sandleford Priory, a historic estate with beautiful grounds. While the priory itself is not open to the public, the surrounding area is picturesque and worth a look.

Navigation and Safety The trail is well-marked, but it's always a good idea to have a reliable navigation tool. HiiKER is an excellent app for this purpose, providing detailed maps and real-time tracking to ensure you stay on course. The terrain is mostly flat, with no significant elevation gain, making it suitable for hikers of all levels. However, some sections can be muddy after rain, so appropriate footwear is recommended.

Wildlife and Flora Throughout the hike, you'll encounter a variety of habitats, from urban parks to heathlands and woodlands. This diversity supports a wide range of wildlife. In addition to the birds mentioned earlier, you might also see butterflies, dragonflies, and various wildflowers, especially in the spring and summer months.

This loop trail offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and easy accessibility, making it a perfect day hike for those looking to explore the West Berkshire countryside.