Circular Walks

Waltham St Lawrence and Shottesbrooke Park Circular Walk

Overview
This beautiful circular walk begins in the heart of Waltham St Lawrence and takes you through charming tree-lined bridleways, scenic open fields, and peaceful woodlands. Along the way, you’ll pass through several small settlements, including West End, with its historic properties. The route also leads through the picturesque parkland at Shottesbrooke Park, featuring views of the grand mansion, mature trees, open pastures, a lake, and a quaint church. This walk offers a true taste of Berkshire’s natural beauty and village charm.

Getting There
The walk starts at the small village green outside St Lawrence Church in the village centre. There is roadside parking available around the green, by the church, and along other nearby village roads.

Distance
Approximately 5 miles

  1. Start to Twyford Road
    Begin at the Church of St Lawrence, a historic site with architecture dating back to the 1100s. Walk from the lychgate at about 1 o’clock, passing Neville Hall (the white building) on your right, and follow the village road (Milley Road) past the 40 mph signs. Where the lane bends right, take the left fork to join the restricted byway on the Knowl Hill Bridleway Circuit. Follow the bridleway until you reach Twyford Road.
  2. Twyford Road to Brook Lane
    Cross Twyford Road diagonally to join a grassy path along the right verge. Turn right onto Mire Lane, continuing along the bridleway. Pass West End Farm and a fishing lake to reach Plough Lane. Turn left on Plough Lane, and then right onto Baileys Lane, lined with old oak trees. Follow the lane to Brook Lane.
  3. Brook Lane to Shottesbrooke Park
    Continue on the restricted byway in the centre path between two kissing gates. Follow this wooded path to a junction with a B-road. Cross the B-road carefully, turn right past Oaklea, then left onto the bridleway. This bridleway eventually leads to Shottesbrooke Park.
  4. Shottesbrooke Park to Halls Lane
    Enter Shottesbrooke Park, passing through woodland and parkland dotted with sheep. Walk past the walled gardens and lake. After a short stretch along the park’s tarmac lane, turn left through a kissing gate into the churchyard, passing the flint church and orchard. Continue through the meadow and parkland until you reach Halls Lane.
  5. Halls Lane to End
    Turn right on Halls Lane, enjoying views of the Shottesbrooke mansion framed by lime trees. Pass Halls Farmhouse, turn left onto a public footpath, and follow it to the end. Turn left along the village road, passing Chantry Cottage, and return to St Lawrence Church where the walk began.
  • Terrain: The walk includes stretches of village roads and tree-lined bridleways that can become muddy, especially after rain, so sturdy boots are recommended (wellingtons may be necessary in wet conditions).
  • Gates and Stiles: You’ll need to navigate one kissing gate and four stiles. Some stiles are dog-friendly, but you may need to lift larger dogs over in certain places.
  • Animals: The route crosses a horse paddock and passes through sheep-grazed parkland. Dogs should be kept on a lead in these areas.
  • Optional Route: To avoid the horse paddock and two stiles, you can detour along a short stretch of the B-road, though this road may be busy.
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