Local Walks to Recommend from a Country Station

Walks from the Platform: A Guest’s Guide

There is something quietly civilised about arriving by train, dropping your bag at the bed and breakfast, and setting off on foot without touching a car key. From our country station, three gentle routes begin within a few hundred metres of the ticket machine. We keep printed route cards and a box of wellingtons in the porch, and we are always happy to point you towards the right lane. The walks below are waymarked, mostly level or gently undulating, and each has a pub within easy reach of the final mile. Do check opening hours on the day, especially out of season, and carry a small torch in winter.

The Riverside Loop: 4.5 Miles, Flat and Firm

This is the walk we suggest for a first morning. Leave the station by the village side, turn left along Station Lane, and follow the pavement for 300 metres until a fingerpost points you down a tarmac path beside the old mill cottages. The route then joins the river towpath, where herons, kingfishers and the occasional otter are regular company. The surface is firm gravel and packed earth, with one kissing gate and no stiles, making it suitable for most abilities and for well-behaved dogs on a short lead near the water.

• Distance: 4.5 miles (7 km) – about two hours at a stroll
• Terrain: flat towpath, short tarmac lane, one kissing gate
• Pub: the riverside inn, 400 metres from the station, serves lunch Wednesday to Sunday; its garden overlooks the weir

On the return, leave the towpath at the wooden bridge and follow the field edge back to the lane. In spring the hedgerows are full of blackthorn and chiffchaff; in autumn, sloes and rosehips.

The Church and Farm Track Circuit: 3 Miles, Gentle Rise

For a shorter outing before afternoon tea, take the footpath opposite the station car park. It crosses a small footbridge, then climbs a shallow field to the churchyard. The church is usually open, with a cool stone porch and a visitors’ book. Continue on the farm track behind the yew trees, bearing right at the waymark. You will cross one stile and a sheep field; dogs should be kept close during lambing from March to May.

The track descends through arable fields to a quiet lane, which brings you back to the village in about ninety minutes. The final half-mile is on tarmac, so muddy boots can be wiped before you reach the pub.

• Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km) – one and a half hours
• Terrain: field paths, one stile, gentle incline, can be claggy after rain
• Pub: the village inn on the green, flagstone floors and a changing local ale; food served midday to 2.30pm and 6pm to 9pm

Woodland and Viaduct Amble: 5.5 Miles, Moderate

Guests who want a proper stretch should take this route. From the station, follow the lane under the railway bridge and pick up the waymarked path into the beech woods. The route climbs steadily for ten minutes, then levels along a ridge with views across the valley. In late spring the bluebells here are worth the trip alone. You pass beneath a tall brick viaduct – a favourite spot for photographs – before dropping down to the canal.

The canal towpath leads to a canal-side tavern, ideal for a ploughman’s and a pot of tea. From there, you can either retrace your steps or continue along the towpath to the next village, where a local bus or train returns you to our station. Check the timetable before setting off, as rural services are thin on Sundays.

• Distance: 5.5 miles (8.8 km) – three hours with a lunch stop
• Terrain: woodland paths, two short steep sections, roots and leaves, boots recommended
• Pub: the canal-side tavern, halfway round; no food on Mondays, but drinks and crisps available

What to Pack and When to Set Off

We lend laminated route cards, a compass and a small first-aid kit. You will want waterproof boots or sturdy shoes, a waterproof jacket, a flask, and cash for the pubs – mobile signal is patchy in the valley and not every landlord takes cards. In summer, start before 10am to reach a pub lunch before the rush; in winter, set off by 11am and carry a torch for the last mile.

Tell us which walk you fancy at breakfast, and we will ring ahead to check the pub is open and book you a table if you like. We will also leave a slice of cake and a thermos of hot water for your return. The last train back is at 10.40pm on weekdays, 9.15pm on Sundays, so there is no need to rush your pudding.

Above all, walk at the pace of the lanes themselves. Stop to listen to the river, read the church notices, and let the day unfold. That is the quiet luxury of a country station break.