Walking the Thames Path

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Top 10 Places To Walk In And Around Reading

Reading is excellently located (and connected), making it a great base to explore the region on foot. It is on a number of national and international trail routes such as the Thames Path, the Great West Way and St James Way. From short afternoon strolls to epic, week-long hikes, there really is something for everyone.

Reading’s local Parks and Gardens
With over 100 parks within its immediate boundaries, there’s no shortage of green space in Reading. For a more leisurely afternoon stroll, Prospect Park, Forbury Gardens, Harris Gardens and Caversham Court Gardens all offer well-paved routes with beautiful natural scenery. Or, take a self-guided tour around the University of Reading's Whiteknights Campus, with its new marked nature trail. The trail takes roughly 30 minutes to walk around and can be completed as a circular walk, starting and finishing close to central campus bars and cafes.

Thames Path National Trail
The Thames Path National Trail runs right through Reading, with the longest Thames river frontage of any local authority along its winding route. You can easily pick up the path from the town centre and follow it west towards Pangbourne or East towards Sonning, either way you’ll be spoilt with miles of stunning riverside scenery. Plus, you can make it as long or as short as you like!

St James Way
If you fancy adding a few more steps to your journey, why not explore the St James' Way? One of the pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela, Spain, the route starts in Reading at St James' Church and runs to Southampton, picking up the route again from A Coruna in Galicia (as part of the Camino Ingles). Don’t forget to get your Pilgrim Passport stamped before you set off!

Swinley Forest
Technically in Bracknell’s boundaries, but just 13 miles east of Reading town centre, Swinley Forest is a stunning expanse of woodland covering over 2600 acres. Owned and managed by the Crown Estate, you’ll find miles of woodland walking, as well as a café for refreshments, a Bike Hub, playground and Go Ape tree top experience.

Reading Town Centre
Reading town centre is best explored on foot with its central and Abbey Quarter districts set within a compact, easily walkable area. Don’t miss Reading’s very own Banksy, 'Create Escape', which appeared on the wall of Reading Prison in March 2021, and the historic Abbey Ruins, the final resting place of King Henry I. To explore under your own steam, pick up a self-guided walk map from Reading Museum, or check out Reading’s walking tours for a guided visit.

Coley Meadows

Local conservationist Adrian Lawson shares his love of these meadows which are on the south west edge of Reading. A joy for wildlife fans.

Basildon Park
National Trust property, Basildon Park, lies just 8 miles west of Reading town centre and, in addition to Basildon Park House, it offers plenty of walking opportunities and views of the stunning West Berkshire countryside. There are four signposted routes to choose from, with meadows and woodlands and over 400 acres of parkland (dogs on leads also welcome!).

Kennet and Avon Canal
Although perhaps not rivalling the walking on offer along the Thames Path, there is still something to be said for its little sister, the Kennet and Avon Canal. The Kennet bisects the town centre and provides riverside outdoor dining at the Oracle shopping centre, scenic backdrops to Reading Abbey, locks and mooring for canal boats and makes for a picturesque riverside stroll.

Dinton Pastures Country Park
Within Wokingham’s geographical boundaries but just 6 miles to the east of Reading town centre (and walkable from Winnersh train station), Dinton Pastures Country Park is a great place to walk for the whole family. With a number of beautiful lakes and a brand-new Dragonfly Café for a well-earned pit stops, Dinton Pastures offers hours of beautiful lake-side walking trails. Also boasting an activity centre, water activities, climbing wall and huge playpark, there’s plenty to keep the non-walkers entertained, too.

The Ridgeway National Trail
A national trail spanning 87 miles across central southern England, The Ridegway offers more serious hikers miles upon miles of walking routes, taking in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding National Beauty and the North Wessex Downs. You can take a section of the trail from Reading’s village of Streatley to Watlington (around 15 miles), or you can take a backpack and explore further – either way, you’ll be spoiled by stunning remote countryside, just a stone’s throw from Reading.

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Sonning Golf Club

Address

Duffield Road, Sonning, READING, Berkshire, RG4 6GJ

Telephone
0118 969 3332

READING

Sonning’s original layout was designed by JH Taylor with later input from Harry Colt. The course measures 6,329 yards and has a par of 70 and a SSS of 71. It generally plays longer than its yardage due to the elevation of several greens and fairways…
Carluccio's

Address

Davidson House, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3EY

Telephone
0118 958 3095

reading@carluccios.com

Reading

Carluccio's food is freshly prepared on the premises everyday using the best, freshest and natural ingredients, where possible from Italy...
The Hexagon

Address

Queens Walk, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QF

Telephone
0118 960 6060

READING

The Hexagon is a multi-purpose entertainment venue in the heart of Reading, hosting an eclectic mix of entertainers from big name Comedians, Spectacular Musicals, Children's Shows, Classical Concerts, Opera, Pantomime, Theatre, Dance and everything…
White Stuff

Address

13-14 Gun Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2JR

Telephone
0118 958 5935

Reading

Fashion chain selling clothes and accessories for men and women, some with nature-inspired prints.
Spill

Address

29 Church Street, St Martins Precinct, Caversham, Reading, RG4 8BA

Telephone
07876 504341

Hello@spillbar.co.uk

Caversham, Reading

Welcome to Spill, Caversham's hottest destination for specialty coffee, craft cocktails, and fine wines in Reading. Their modern industrial space in the heart of Caversham transitions from daytime café to cosy evening wine bar.
Enjoy expertly…
New Look - The Oracle

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQ

Telephone
0118 950 5741

Reading

Fashionable womenswear chain; some stores also include menswear, plus-sizes and maternity clothing.
Skechers

Address

The Oracle Centre, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

READING

Skechers is the comfort technology company, where you’ll find the best selection of lifestyle and performance footwear for men, women and kids. Choose from countless options including the latest athletic, casual and fashion sneakers as well as…
Red Kite Camping

Address

Crazies Hill, Upper Culham, READING, Berkshire, RG10 8NP

Telephone
07708 522493

READING

Camping how it used to be! The campsite is set in a small field with panoramic views and has limited pitches to give you as much space as possible and few facilities so that you can experience a wild camping experience. Tent campers and small…
Progress Theatre

Address

The Mount, READING, Berkshire, RG1 5HL

READING

Progress Theatre is a self-governing, self-funding theatre group, run by volunteers, and founded in 1946. We are members of the Little Theatre Guild and the National Operatic and Dramatic Association, and are a registered charity. Our intimate 96…
Cmart Oriental Store

Address

St. Marys Butts, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2LN

Telephone
+44 7380677353

cmartrg1@gmail.com

Reading

Cmart Oriental Supermarket is a premier oriental food and grocery store with a diverse range of products sourced from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Nepal, Vietnam, and other East Asian countries.
Vue Cinema

Address

Riverside, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0345 308 4620

Reading

All the latest mainstream movies are shown at this state-of-the-art chain cinema with family deals.
Hollister Co

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQ

Telephone
0118 939 4389

Reading

Trendy chain retailer with Southern-Californian inspired apparel and accessories aimed at young adults.
YayLo

Address

26 Cross Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1SN

Telephone
01189 597 809

joy@yaylo.co

Reading

Reading's exclusively gluten-free coffee shop offering gorgeous cakes, sandwiches, quiches and more alongside local award winning coffee...
Beadle Crome Interiors

Address

44-52 Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7LA

Telephone
0118 958 1356

Reading

Sleek showroom for high-end contemporary furnishings from Europe, plus computerised design service.
Boom Battle Bar

Address

Station Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1JX

Telephone
01184 693506

Reading

BOOM BATTLE BAR Reading is the ultimate entertainment hotspot in the heart of town, serving up high-energy games like axe throwing, AR darts, beer pong, shuffleboard, and more.
Reading Sailing Club

Address

Sonning Eye, READING, Berkshire, RG4 6TT

READING

Reading Sailing Club is situated on a large picturesque former gravel pit adjacent to the river Thames in Sonning near Reading. Dinghy sailing is the club’s main activity with both beginners and experienced racers making use of our facilities.
We…
Slaters

Address

39 Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 939 3479

contact@slaters.co.uk

Reading

Slaters are a family run business with 40 years’ experience. With tailored suits starting from £49, as well as suit packages including shirt, tie and shoes for only £79 they are your first port of call for formal wear or hire. Each store hires a…
RISC World Shop and Global Refills

Address

35-39 London Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 4PS

READING

Founded in 1987, we are one of the UK's largest fair trade shops. Our selection of gifts, books, cards and food is wide ranging and we pride ourselves on having something for everyone; little ones love our wooden toys and puzzles; our natural body…
Jewells

Address

The Oracle Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQ

ukoracle@jewells.com

Reading

Experience jewellery differently.
Discover everything from trend-led, ultra-affordable jewellery to Solid Gold and Lab-Grown Diamond investment pieces, all in the same room. Step inside the Jewells Universe at our The Oracle store, including…
Premier Suites Reading

Address

Minster Court, Minster Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2JF

Telephone
01183249700

sales@premiersuitesreading.com

Reading

Premier Suites are the perfect choice of accommodation when visiting the bustling and energetic town of Reading, with an enviable location beside the Oracle Shopping Centre and close to Broad street. All of our one and two bedroom apartments are…

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Top 10 Places To Walk In And Around Reading

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