Discover Frilsham

Frilsham lies in the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Ancient woodlands, open fields and a network of paths of various types shape the surrounding area. The named paths pass through different landscape areas or connect specific places; St Frideswide’s Church and the history of the old village centre offer further points of interest. This lets you choose between nature, walks and local history as the focus of your trip planning.

Woodlands and Landscape

The woodlands of Frilsham consist mainly of mixed stands of broadleaf trees and conifer plantations. Coombe Wood is an ancient woodland and was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1985. The beech woods around Frilsham Common are believed to be more than 1,000 years old; their long history is linked to former communal grazing.

Path Network and Routes

The parish newsletter dated 11 August 2021 describes 20 paths of various types. They offer opportunities for walks and horse rides across open fields, through ancient woodlands and along old drove roads. Paths in Frilsham are also part of a designated Berkshire Circular Route. The routes differ in their courses and in the landscape features described.

Footpath 20 connects Brocks Lane in the valley with School Lane on the hill. Mostly oak and beech trees line this footpath. A variety of wildflowers also grow there, including bluebells, yellow archangel and wood melick; their appearance varies with the seasons.

Bridleway 17 runs through Hawkridge Wood and Witmoor Copse. Restricted Byway 13 connects Birch Farm and Wellhouse Lane along the parish boundary and offers views east across the Pang Valley. Bridleway 17 is therefore described as passing through two woodland areas, while Restricted Byway 13 stands out for its route along the parish boundary and its views across the valley.

Footpaths 6 and 7 can also be distinguished by the places they connect: Footpath 6 connects Coach Hill with School Lane and passes St Frideswide’s Well. Footpath 7 connects Coach Hill with Chapel Lane. Only the described route of Footpath 6 also includes St Frideswide’s Well.

The 2021 path leaflet notes that some paths have gates or steep climbs and are therefore unsuitable for people with limited mobility. This classification may change as path conditions change. Check local conditions before your visit, especially if accessibility is important to you.

Church and Local History

St Frideswide’s Church in Frilsham is believed to date back to Anglo-Saxon times and is dedicated to St Frideswide. Today, Frilsham Manor Farm and the church occupy the historic village centre; the site of the village recorded in the Domesday Book was probably here too. Footpath 6 also passes St Frideswide’s Well, so the church’s name appears in a specific route description as well.

Discover more nearby destinations: Streatley, Crockham Heath, Midgham, Easton, Newbury, Wickham, Lambourn, Wokingham

For the regional travel overview: Berkshire.