Walkmates
Route by PaulWalkmates
Start beside Goldwell Park car park at the west end of Northcroft Lane in Newbury. Follow the walking and cycle path north to Moor Lane, then head west along the Lambourn Valley Way. Pass beneath the old railway bridge before turning north through the fields to St Mary's Church, Speen. Continue through the churchyard and past the Lady Well area to Speen Lane. Cross the busy A4 Bath Road carefully and take the signed footpath between the buildings opposite.
The field path reaches Lambourn Road. Follow its pavement northwest for the short link to the public path alongside the A34, then continue towards Bagnor. Cross the two small River Lambourn bridges on the village lane, watching for vehicles. At the lane junction turn back southeast onto the Lambourn Valley Way branch. Follow the public bridleway across the A34 bridge and the woodland paths to the castle approach, then climb the gravel path to Donnington Castle's twin-towered gatehouse and Civil War earthworks. Return by the same route.
Allow about 2 hours 45 minutes for the roughly 8.6 km return. Field paths, gates, narrow passages and a short climb make this more involved than an entirely surfaced town walk. Mud and wet grass can be slippery, and the castle grounds are uneven. There is a busy road crossing and short shared road sections in Speen and Bagnor. Keep dogs on leads at the castle and under close control around livestock.
Goldwell Park is a council public car park. A PaybyPhone ticket is required even for the free three-hour period; longer stays are charged, with a six-hour maximum. Check the signs on arrival. Newbury has cafes and shops, and the nearby leisure centre cafe welcomes visitors via reception. The castle is free to visit during daylight hours. Route information is based on West Berkshire Council's mapped Lambourn Valley Way and English Heritage's visitor guidance.
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