Play Audio:

Goring Hill Bottom Circular

Hey Spartans! Ready to tackle an 11.3-mile loop through rolling Chilterns hills, hidden woods and classic village lanes? The Goring Circular via Hill Bottom Walk packs history, wildflowers and even a hint of mystery—all spiced up with three cosy pubs. Lace up and let’s go!

History & Hidden Tales

The footpaths here have been trodden since medieval times, once linking market towns and hilltop hamlets. Keep an eye out for ancient beech pollards—remnants of old managed woods—and in spring, you might spot deserted flint foundations hinting at vanished farmsteads. Some locals whisper stories of a “Green Man” spirit guarding these woods; on misty mornings, you can almost hear footsteps echoing through the bluebell-carpeted glades.

Route Snapshot

Distance: 18.0 km (11.3 mi)
Toughness: 4/10 (342 m ascent/descent)
Maps: OS Explorer 171 & Chiltern Hills West
Best Season: Late April–early May (peak bluebell and beech foliage)
Underfoot: Mixed chalk tracks, forest trails (muddy after rain), quiet lanes

How to Reach the Start

By train: From London Paddington, catch a GWR service to Goring & Streatley (49–60 mins). Trains run roughly every 30 mins off-peak; tickets from £25 in advance.

By car: Head west on the M4, exit at junction 12 for the A4, then follow signs through Pangbourne to Goring. Approximately 70 km (43 mi), about 1 h 15 min.

Parking

Station Car Park (APCOA RG8 9AT): £6/day Mon–Fri (after 10 am £4.60), £4.60 Sat–Sun; free for blue badge holders.
Wheel Orchard (RG8 9HB): Free 1 hr, £2.20 up to 2 hrs, £5 up to 5 hrs, £6 up to 10 hrs.

The Walk

Start at Goring & Streatley station and head north up Station Road, turning left onto the Ridgeway footpath.
Climb steady chalk slopes to reach Hill Bottom hamlet, pausing for views east over the Thames Valley.
Descend into Ashampstead Woods—spring here means carpets of bluebells and vibrant new beech leaves.
Cruise along quiet country lanes to Whitchurch Hill, passing the old telephone exchange—now a gallery with local crafts.
Loop back via open downland fields, catching glimpses of the Thames before dropping down to the Riverbank path.
Finish with a riverside stroll back to Goring, ready for a pint or tea.

Pubs & Pit-Stops

The Fox at Hill Bottom: Traditional alehouse, homemade pies.
The Red Lion, Whitchurch Hill: Open fires, local lagers.
The Swan, Streatley: Riverside views, hearty roasts.
Pierreponts (Goring Wharf): Friendly tea room, cakes & ice creams (closes 5 pm Sat, closed Sun).

Spartan Tips

Set off by 9 am—woods are magic in early light and pubs close by 5 pm.
Wear grippy boots: chalk paths get slippery when wet.
Carry a waterproof – spring showers can sneak up fast.
Bring binoculars: kestrels and buzzards patrol these hills.
Snap pics at the Ridgeway marker—legend says a phantom horse once galloped this stretch at dawn.

There you have it: a perfect Spartan day out blending nature, local lore and good old pub grub. See you at the Gap!