Finchampstead Ridges
We have been in lockdown for about six weeks now and I don’t know about you, but those daily walks are becoming increasingly important.
If you live near Wokingham, Bracknell or Farnborough though, you’re in luck, as nearby Finchampstead Ridges is a lovely place to walk. It’s an area of woodlands where bluebells mix with wild garlic and ferns are unfurling in the undergrowth. Our walk began in Simon’s Wood where we discovered Heath Pool and followed the path around the water, before heading south to explore the small but steep hills that make up the ridges. The woodlands are riddled with trails, soft under foot and probably muddy after heavy rain.
Location
Finchampstead Ridges is in southern Berkshire near to the borders of Hampshire and Surrey.
Access
If you need your car to get to this walk there is limited street parking along Wellingtonia Avenue (B3348). Go mid-week or early morning if you can, as you are more likely to find a parking spot and you’ll enjoy a walk with fewer people around, so maintaining your social distancing will be easy. The nearby Simon’s Wood car park would normally be a good place to start walking from, but at the moment, you will almost certainly find it closed.
Do you live locally?
Why not join the Friends of Finchampstead Ridges Supporter Group to learn more and become part of a team of volunteers who maintain the woodlands, guided by a National Trust ranger.
Annette Price
About the Author
Annette Price. I am a wild places and adventure sports photographer, which means that I am passionate about getting outdoors, camping, caving, getting wet and muddy and photographing the landscapes and people that I find. Water is a big attraction for me and I love being in, on and under it and am a serial kayak paddler.I hope you enjoy the articles, kit reviews and photography on this website and that they help you to get outdoors exploring new places and activities.
