Do you fancy doing something adventurous this summer without leaving Bracknell? Well, how about walking some or all of the Ramblers Route? The Ramblers Route is a 26 mile (42km) way-marked walking trail taking in some of the best bits of Bracknell Forest’s countryside (https://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/parks-and-countryside/outdoor-activities/countryside-walks/ramblers-route-long-distance-route). There is a connecting link from the Look Out to Easthampstead Park that means that you can do a 13 mile southern loop or a 19 mile northern loop if you want. If you like your walks a bit shorter you can even break it up into a series of sections of 8 miles or less and do these with the help of public transport.
I love the Ramblers Route and frequently incorporate sections of it in my walks. I tend to walk the whole thing at least once a year. It is amazing how many different types of countryside it takes you through, from tree-lined lanes to sandy heath, from farmland to landscaped parks. The Ramblers Route is also a great way of seeing some of the special nature that makes Bracknell its home because it visits all six of the habitat types that make up Bracknell Forest. For example, if you are walking the Bracknell Forest or Wildmoor Heath sections at dusk during the summer you may hear, or even see, the elusive nightjar (https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/nightjar/).
The route also visits a number of historical sites and the accompanying leaflet tells you a bit about them (https://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/bracknell-forest-ramblers-route.pdf).
The Ramblers Route was established by Bracknell Forest Council and is maintained by them with the support of the other councils whose area the walk goes through. I am told that Bracknell Forest Council is still committed to the maintenance of the walk and that an updated version of the guide will be produced. At the moment there are a couple of sections where some of the signage (the distinctive three-headed arrow) has gone missing or is hidden by foliage, so make sure you have downloaded the map.
If you decide to do the whole thing in one go please make sure that you are suitably equipped. Although the route is not strenuous there are sections that can be muddy and sections where you do not pass a shop, cafe or pub for some time. However, there are some lovely pubs on the route. There are also a couple of sections of road-walking including at least one short section on a busy road without a pavement.
I am sure that you will enjoy your adventures on the Rambler’s Route and find parts of Bracknell Forest that you have never visited before. If you enjoy the Ramblers Route, you’ll be glad to know it is not the only long-distance path that passed through or close to the parish. You could try the Wokingham Way, the Blackwater Valley Path or the Three Castles Path.
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