Mindful Steps Through History and Countryside
Table of Contents
A Place I Return To Again and Again – Roman Silchester Walk
Some walks stay with you. For me, the circular path around the ancient Roman walls of Silchester is one I keep returning to—year after year, season after season. There’s something about the blend of open countryside, deep history, and unchanging stone that settles the mind and lifts the spirit.
This landscape has inspired more than just my walks. It was the quiet power of Silchester that first led me to publish two photography books dedicated to the mood and mystery of Calleva Atrebatum—Echoes of Calleva: Landscapes Beyond the Stones and Where the Wall Whispers – Calleva Atrebatum – Black and White Film Photography: Black & White Film Explorations of a Forgotten Roman World. Both explore this space through the lens of place, memory, and stillness.
All images in this article were taken on a 1980s Zensa Bronica Film Camera.
1. The Circle: A Complete and Calming Route
The Roman Silchester Walk forms a natural loop—just over 2.5 kilometres—that guides you gently through field edges, under old oaks, and along the remains of walls built nearly two thousand years ago. It’s a route with structure and flow, ideal for those looking for a short, satisfying walk that feels whole.
- Distance: Approx. 2.6 km (1.6 miles)
- Time: 1–2 hours at a leisurely pace
- Route type: Circular, mostly flat
- Start point: Amphitheatre car park near RG7 2HP

2. Roman Silchester Walk History Beneath Your Feet
Walking here is like walking a timeline. Calleva Atrebatum—Silchester’s Roman name—was once a thriving capital of the Atrebates tribe. It was never built over, which means the street plan and the ancient walls still lie intact beneath the fields.
You won’t find grand ruins, but you will find presence. The stones are real. The ground remembers. Each step connects you to a longer story—one that goes back centuries. In both of my books, I tried to capture that quiet dialogue between past and present that you feel so strongly here.

3. A Walk That Clears the Mind
There’s peace here. Long stretches of path with just the wind in the hedgerows, the distant call of birds, the crunch of gravel. It’s the kind of space that lets your thoughts breathe.
I’ve walked it in morning mist, under moody skies, and in golden light. Each time, it offers a different rhythm—always calm, always restorative. For mental health, it’s one of my most reliable resets.

4. Accessible Yet Undisturbed
Despite its importance, Silchester never feels busy. You can walk for half an hour without meeting a soul. It’s ideal for those who want to get away from noise without having to travel far. The footpaths are mostly well-kept, though they can be muddy after rain, and a few stiles and uneven spots mean it isn’t ideal for wheels.
- Terrain: Mix of grass, gravel, and quiet lanes
- Footwear: Boots recommended, especially in winter
- Accessibility: Limited due to stiles and soft ground

5. Highlights Along the Route
There are places to pause. To sit. To think.
- The Walls – Some sections stand tall; others crumble quietly into earth.
- Old Gateways – Subtle humps and dips mark the original Roman road entrances.
- The Church – Tucked inside the walls, Silchester’s medieval parish church is often open and full of stillness.
- The Amphitheatre – A short detour leads to this circular hollow in the fields—imagined noise now replaced by silence and wind.

6. A Roman Silchester Walk for All Seasons
This is a route that rewards return visits. Spring brings new shoots along the banks. Summer lights up the grass. Autumn mists add mood, and winter strips things back to shadow and line. I’ve walked it in every season, and never found it the same.
It’s not just the landscape that changes—it’s what the walk offers each time. Sometimes energy. Sometimes calm. Always a chance to reconnect. Many of the black and white images featured in my books were made in these shifting seasonal lights—an ongoing invitation to see things afresh.

Visitor Information
If you’re planning a visit, here’s how to find and access Silchester’s Roman city walls and amphitheatre.
🅿️ Parking
- There is no parking at the amphitheatre itself.
- Visitors should park at the main car park for the Roman Town.
- If arriving with tall vehicles (coaches/minibuses), prior notice is required—call Hampshire County Council on 0118 970 0132 to arrange opening of the height barrier.
🛣️ Road Access
- Located on a minor road, 1 mile east of Silchester village.
📍 SAT NAV
- Postcode: RG7 2HP
- Latitude: 51.356481
- Longitude: -1.077628
🚌 Bus Access
- Stagecoach Hampshire 14 to Silchester (within ½ mile)
- Or Reading Buses 2/2A to Mortimer, then a 2-mile walk
🚆 Train Access
- Nearest stations: Bramley or Mortimer – both around 2¾ miles from the site
🚲 Bicycle Access
- Silchester is accessible via the National Cycle Network
Closing Thought
Walking Silchester’s walls isn’t just about seeing the past—it’s about feeling grounded in the present. If you’re looking for a walk that soothes the mind and gently inspires, this quiet Hampshire loop might just become one you return to, too.
And if you’d like to see how this landscape looks through a photographic lens, you can find my books —Echoes of Calleva: Landscapes Beyond the Stones and Where the Wall Whispers – Calleva Atrebatum – Black and White Film Photography: Black & White Film Explorations of a Forgotten Roman World. Both explore this space through the lens of place, memory, and stillness.