What shouts autumn more than muddy boots, piles of vibrant leaves and the smell of bonfires in the distance. Make the most of this glorious season by wrapping up warm and taking a brisk walk around the beautiful Wellington Estate, before treating yourself to a hearty pub lunch at ours.
With acres of farmland and Wellington Country Park just five minutes from us, you’re spoilt for choice on walks and adventures nearby. However, here’s an autumn walk we would highly recommend for this time of the year, which starts and ends at the pub (ideal!). Park up, pop on your boots and enjoy this 3-mile walk through the Loddon Valley, where you’ll be sure to spot an array of wildlife in the fields and on the riverbanks.
1. From the front of the pub (looking out to the road), turn left through the car park and then turn left down the lane (signposted Stratfield Saye).
2. Keep to the left and follow along the hedgerows (you will see a fence and trees to the right) for 900 yards. Turn left at the bridleway sign, pass to the right of 5 bar gate and follow the man-made tracks.
3. 200 yards ahead, pass through a small car park, stay on this track. 100 yards on, the river will appear to the right. Continue for 130 yards, pass 2 bridges and a small weir to the right.
4. Walk ahead onto the grass track and follow the river/reed beds to the right (take care, it may be soft underfoot in places). After 200 yards, pass a footbridge to the right and bear left onto the track.
5. Follow the trees and river to your right for 450 yards. Pass the footbridge to the right and continue further for 50 yards. Pass footpath sign and Turgis Court to the right, then walk straight ahead, across the gravel.
6. Continue on the man-made track and past the farm buildings to the left. 35 yards ahead, turn right at the footpath sign and cross a footbridge to the right of the ford.
7. 10 yards on, cross a stile and head straight across the field. After 140 yards, cross another stile, keep walking ahead and across the grass and over the footbridge.
8. Cross another stile and head across the field (towards 11 o’clock). On the opposite side, continue along the right edge for 170 yards. Turn right, cross a stile (be careful of wobbly foot-boards), then cross the small stream (again, take care as may be soft underfoot).
9. Walk round to the right for 20 yards into the field, bear left and walk gently uphill along the left edge for 150 yards ahead, before continuing straight ahead through the gap in the field corner.
10. Cross a small stream and continue along the left edge for 300 yards. Follow field round to the left, walk 90 yards then bear left into next field. Turn right and follow right edge for 350 yards and turn right into the lane.
11. Follow between hedges for 100 yards and pass the large period house to the left. 100 yards on, the lane curves to the right, pass the footpath sign to left.
12. Continue for 300 yards and lane bends left. 150 yards ahead, lane curves right then left. Follow for 350 yards and pass Kings Farm to right.
13. Stay on this lane for 250 yards and bear right at the junction. Walk for 75 yards, turn right and follow lane past trees and hedges.
14. 300 yards ahead, cross Broadford bridge. Walk along the lane for 200 yards and pass bridleway sign to right.
15. Continue ahead on lane, retracing your steps for 900 yards back to the Wellington Arms for some well-deserved hospitality!
Give this lovely country walk a try and let us know what you see on your travels. The Wellington Estate is a popular spot amongst twitchers and nature lovers and is often known for its variety of butterfly species, wild deer and birds. If you’re taking the dogs for a walk too, we’d love them to join us also here at the pub. We do ask that you book a table in advance, not only to avoid disappointment on our busier days but also to ensure we have noted that your four-legged friend will be joining and allocated you a dog-friendly section of the restaurant.
We’ll be waiting for you on your arrival to sit you down in our cosy pub and reward you with a well-deserved beverage and great pub grub.