Wantage circular walks
Information about three scenic circular walks nestled at the foot of the Ridgeway.
Walk information
Using the historic town of Wantage as a base, explore the villages of the Vale of White Horse on foot and enjoy wonderful views of the countryside along the way.
The walks pass the downland villages of Letcombe Regis and Letcombe Bassett, famed for horseracing, picturesque Childrey with its village duck pond and a 16th century manor house where Charles I spent a night and East and West Challow.
All three routes pass along a restored section of the Wilts and Berks Canal between West and East Challow before leading you back into Wantage.
Wantage was the birthplace of King Alfred the Great and is a great place to visit. While you are there you could drop in at the Vale and Downland Museum, which is recommended for a fascinating insight into the history of the local area, as well as providing a warm welcome and a bite to eat.
| Distance | Route 1 - 9 miles; Route 2 - 5 miles; Route 3 - 7 miles |
|---|---|
| Length on road/village lane (not on Public Rights of Way) | Route 1 - 23%; Route 2 - 17%; Route 3 - 22% |
| Dogs | Allowed under close control, on leads where livestock present |
| Disabled access | A linear section between Wantage and Letcombe Regis of approx.1.5 miles, after which there are a number of stiles along the route. |
| Information | Wantage Library or Vale and Downland Museum in Wantage (see below) |
| Public transport | Regular bus service between Oxford, Abingdon and Didcot (with mainline station). |
| Public Houses | Letcombe Regis, Childrey, East Challow and Wantage. |
| Public amenities | Car park and public toilets in Wantage. Provisions available in Wantage. |
Download a map and points of interest
The leaflet includes easy-to-follow maps, comprehensive written directions and points of local historical interest. You can download it for free. You can also see the routes of the walks on our interactive countryside access map of the county.
- Wantage route 1 map (.pdf format, 225 Kb)
- Wantage route 2 map (.pdf format, 245 Kb)
- Wantage route 3 map (.pdf format, 254 Kb)
- Wantage walks points of interest (.pdf format, 221 Kb)
If you cannot, or have trouble printing the leaflet, please contact us and we can print it and send it to you.
Contact details
Vale and Downland Museum (and Tourist Information Centre)
19 Church Street
Wantage
OX12 8BL