Cold War secrets

Colin Wharton takes you on a historic walk through Greenham Common, Bowdown Woods, Crookham Common and along the Kennet and Avon Canal

This is an opportunity to explore a variety of landscapes from a number of commons and nature reserves to water features along the River Enbourne and the Kennet and Avon Canal.

A large part of this walk ventures across Greenham Common. Greenham Common is now a site of Special Scientific Interest, with wildlife reserves, historical features and a visitor centre. It became designated public parkland in 1997.

From 1942 Greenham Common was used by the Royal Air Force and the United States Army Air Force. It was controversially used during the Cold War for the placement of BGM-109G nuclear cruise missiles. During the 1980s the airfield became known for the Greenham Common Women’s Peace Camp held in protest against the cruise missiles.

1 (SU 47278 66720) Starting from the south side of Newbury train station, walk eastwards and turn immediately right at the main road and follow this southwards along the pavement. At the roundabout, take the lefthand fork of the road, crossing over using the subway.

Turn left at Queen’s Road and follow this eastwards until you get to Boundary Road. Turn right at Boundary Road and follow this a short way until you see a footpath on your left across the edge of a green and follow this easterly across Racecourse Road.