Walks and Activities
They only know a country who are acquainted with its footpaths. By the roads, indeed, the outside may be seen; but the footpaths go through the heart of the land.
Richard Jefferies
Details of our upcoming walks and course are listed below. We operate flexible booking arrangements on most walks and activities - please get in touch if your preferred walk or course date is not shown and we will see what we can do!
Wilfred Owen Discovery Walk
Wilfred Owen Discovery Walk
"Dulce et Decorum est" - in the footsteps of Wilfred Owen.
Join us for this walk in the South Oxfordshire countryside and discover one of our most celebrated Great War Poets, Wilfred Owen.
"Dulce et Decorum est"
A walk in the footsteps of Wilfred Owen.
Owen witnessed first-hand the harsh reality and carnage of war - his ‘poetry of witness’ is uncompromising work, steeped in pity and fury. Our walk starts out from Binfield Heath and heads out over the fields, following historic ways, to explore the small village of Dunsden where, in 1911 at the age of 18, Owen had come to live and work. It is thought that the powerful 'indignant compassion' for suffering humanity that permeates many of Owen’s greatest poems can be traced to his time serving the poor local community here, as we will discover during our walk.
“My subject is War, and the pity of War
The Poetry is in the pity”
What will it be like?
5 miles - approx. 3 hrs
Well defined paths and tracks, but can be uneven, rough and muddy in places. Some walking on rural lanes.
Total ascent/descent 215 ft. Stile free.
Young people aged 14 + welcome but must be capable of walking the distance, and must be accompanied by an adult who is responsible for them at all times during the walk.
Further info for walkers
Participants should dress appropriately for a walk in the countryside (it may be muddy!), and having regard to the weather on the day.
Mid-walk refreshment break at the Loddon Brewery (pay locally).
Village shop in Binfield Heath.
We advise participants to carry some water, hand sanitiser, and personal first aid
Can I bring my dog?
Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome (please be aware that this walk involves some walking on rural lanes). Please read our Dog Policy.
Health & Risk Declaration:
When booking and participating in our activities you acknowledge that walking, like all outdoor activity, has a danger of personal injury. There are many variables including, but not limited to, weather, personal fitness level, terrain features and outdoor experience that must be considered prior to walking. You voluntarily choose to take part and are aware of and accept these risks and are responsible for your own actions and involvement.
Please read the walk description carefully. Your booking, and participation on the day, are accepted on the understanding that you, and those you are booking on behalf of, are medically and physically fit to take part in the activity. You undertake to inform us if you have any medical or physical condition which may impact on your ability, or the ability of the group, to safely take part in the activity. If you have any concerns you should discuss this with us prior to booking and participating.
COVID-19 Risk - If you think you may have any symptoms linked to COVID-19, or have recently been exposed to the virus, do not come to the course. Remember to check government advice.
Meeting and parking arrangements
Meet at Binfield Heath Playground, Arch Hill, RG9 4DU. Roadside parking or small car park off Kings Common Close.
Grid Reference SU 746 785
This walk can also started from Clayfield Copse, Caversham Park Road, Emmer Green, Reading, RG4 6RT
What’s Included?
Experienced local guide
Insights into Wilfred Owen and his time living and working here
Weather:
We will review the weather forecast the day before and will contact you if we have to change our plans. This, however, is only likely if we consider the weather conditions to be a real risk to our safety. Please ensure that you check the weather forecast for yourself and come prepared for whatever the weather! No refunds will be made if you decide not to walk due to weather conditions. If you need advice, please get in touch.
Cancellation:
By Us: In the rare case that we have to cancel and event, you will be notified by email and offered a full refund or transfer to another activity.
By You: We require 21 days cancellation notice prior to the event, otherwise we will charge you a cancellation fee as below, less payment processing fees.
50% of the total paid minus any booking fee where cancellation takes place between 1 and 3 weeks prior to the day of the walk; or
100% of the total course fee where cancellation takes place within the final week before the commencement of the walk; or
We will accept reasonable requests to transfer to another programmed activity. Such requests must be made in writing at least 7 days prior to the booked activity and are subject to a £5 fee.
