Walbury Hill is the highest point in south-east England, standing 974' above sea level; it is situated on the chalk down that, until recently, marked the border between Berkshire and Hampshire. The downs have marked a border since the Iron Age, leading to a string of hill forts along their length: the one on Walbury
Hill encompasses an impressive 33 hectares. It would once have been surrounded by a timber wall, though all that remains of the fort are its defensive ditches, cut into the side of the hill. The border is also the site of Combe Gibbet, where, in 1696, the lovers George Bromham and Dorothy Newman were hanged for double murder. The tail of their dastardly deed varies from source to source: by one account a Mad
Thomas witnessed George and Dorothy murder George's wife and son on Combe Hill. The gibbet was
raised to execute justice and exhibit the pair to the world. Since that time, the gibbet has become a local feature and has been replaced several times, though never again used. On a clear day, Combe Gibbet and Walbury Hill offers a view across almost all of Beautiful Berkshire, from Hungerford in the west, to a distant Maidenhead in the east, and north to the Ridgeway.

Our walk takes us from the village of Kintbury, south across fields and small woodlands, towards Walbury Hill. We will pass through Lower Green for lunch time. The intrepid of the group will then climb the steep path to Combe Gibbet and on to the summit of Walbury Hill; those left behind will have a short time to look
around Lower Green and its 13th century parish church, St Michael's. The two groups will meet up again in Inkpen Common for the return walk to Kintbury.