Getting There
Leave the M4 at Junction 13 and follow signs to Chieveley Services, Eastbound 3rd exit, Westbound 1st exit. Park in the services car park as close to the Travelodge Motel as you can.
Return to M4 Junction 13
Turn left from the services and rejoin the motorway.
Chieveley Services
Length of walk: 30-40 minutes
This is a truly rural walk, and a surprising contrast to the busy motorway and service station you will leave behind.
Walk past the Travelodge motel with the lorry and caravan parking area on the right, and a propane gas storage base on the left. Walk between the wooden posts in the corner onto a lane. Walk to the second Public Footpath sign and turn right, and over a stile into a field.
Go straight ahead, with the service road to the right. At the red sign, turn right to cross the lane and enter a field. Follow the yellow waymarker arrow to head for a lone tree some distance away in the field. At the tree, bear half left and follow the narrow path towards the trees ahead. Pass a group of three oak trees to reach a wooden footbridge over a brook. This brings you to a cart track, aptly named Marsh Lane. Turn right and walk as far as the farm before turning round.
If it's wet weather, the lane may be flooded so wellies are essential. In hot weather, this is a fantastic place to cool down overheated travelling dogs, with plenty of drinking water and splashing opportunities.
When we were here in May, the field had waist high grass and an abundance of wild flowers. Watch out for rabbit warren entrances underfoot.
Retrace your steps to return to the service station.
Facilities
At Chieveley services.