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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The Gym

Address

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

READING

The Gym Group believe that fitness should be fun, flexible and affordable. That is why they are open 24 hours a day, so you can eat, sleep, train and repeat regardless of your schedule. They are proud to be the cheapest contract-free gym in town…
Panino Cafe

Address

11 Duke Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 4SA

Telephone
0118 958 8085

Reading

Independent cafe with sandwiches, baguettes, panini's and hot and cold drinks.
Comptoir Libanais

Address

The Oracle Centre, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 321 3999

reading@comptoirlibanais.com

READING

Lebanese canteen on the Riverside at The Oracle. Comptoir Libanais (French for “Lebanese counter”) offers an abundance of healthy dishes, bursting with flavours and colours. It provides a refreshing and contemporary alternative to the usual casual…
Keeley's Picture Framing

Address

14 Kings Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3AA

Telephone
0118 959 6961

keith.keeleys@hotmail.com

Reading

Framing specialist providing custom and pre-made frames for everything from single photographs up to multiple photo's, posters and more.
Starbucks Butter Market

Address

6 Butter Market, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BH

Telephone
0118 959 8771

ukinfo@starbucks.com

Reading

The layout and atmosphere of Starbucks stores are specifically designed to be cosy and intimate, while at the same time providing people with their own personal...
Zero Degrees

Address

9 Bridge Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2LR

Telephone
0118 959 7959

reading@zerodegrees.co.uk

Reading

Bar, restaurant and microbrewery, Zero Degrees is situated within 1 minute walking distance of the Oracle Shopping Centre and offers a wide range of settings that are perfect for any occasion. The Tank Lounge on the mezzanine level, complete with…
Reading Town Hall

Address

Blagrave Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1QH

READING

Welcome to Reading's historic Town Hall. Right in the heart of Reading, this beautiful Grade II* listed building boasts a stunning Victorian Gothic facade by celebrated architect Alfred Waterhouse, and state-of-the-art facilities within to…
Osaka

Address

The Oracle, Reading, RG1 2AG

Reading
FourBears Books

Address

Prospect Street, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8JG

Telephone
0118 9481747

Reading

Welcome to our lovely book shop, based in Caversham. Whether you enjoy books for children or books for adults, we have the perfect selection for you.
Pappadams

Address

74 Kings Road, Reading, RG1 3BJ

info@pappadamsreading.co.uk

Reading

Pappadams is an aunthentic indian curry gourment, with an experience of over twenty years in the indian curry industry.
Travelodge Reading Whitley

Address

387 Basingstoke Road, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0JE

Telephone
08719 846209

READING

Conveniently located a mile from Reading train station and only 45 minutes from Heathrow Airport, our hotel is an excellent place to stay if you are looking for a base in Berkshire with strong transport links. This is the perfect place to take a…
Flexistay Reading West ApartHotel

Address

Bath Road, Padworth, READING, Berkshire, RG7 5HT

Telephone
0118 971 3282

info@flexistay.com

READING

Located less than 5 minutes’ drive from Junction 12 of the M4, Flexistay Reading West Aparthotel is ideally situated for corporates, contractors and leisure guests. Reading town centre is just a 20-minute drive away and the towns of Newbury,…
Card Factory

Address

46 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AA

Telephone
0118 958 5123

Reading

Pop into the Card Factory and find greetings cards, gifts, wrap & party supplies all at great value prices.
Parthian Climbing Reading

Address

Britten Road, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0AU

Telephone
0118 975 6298

READING

We have over 175 dedicated top rope and lead routes, with a variety of grades, styles from some of the UK’s best setters! Our routes are reset on a quarterly basis to also keep things this fresh and interesting for our climbers.
Best Western Calcot Hotel

Address

98 Bath Road, Calcot, Reading, Berkshire, RG31 7QN

Telephone
0118 9416423

gm@calcothotel.co.uk

Reading

A home away from home near Reading. Whatever your reason for staying at the Best Western Calcot Hotel, you're guaranteed a comfortable place to lay your head, let the Calcot Hotel be your home away from home during your trip. Best Western Calcot…
Gail's Bakery

Address

Broad Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2BD

reading@gailsbread.co.uk

READING

Newly opened in October 2022, Gail's bake fresh, handmade bread, pastries and cakes every day, served with our carefully-sourced house blend specialty coffee. We take great pleasure in using the best ingredients we can find for food and drink,…
The Coconut Tree

Address

64 Kings Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 3BJ

READING

Take a group of Sri Lankan friends and family brought together by a vision of bringing Sri Lankan eats to communities across the world. With hard work and dedication, the vision became a reality, and The Coconut Tree was born.   We’re passionate…
Power of Pilates

Address

First Floor, 1 Chalfont Court, Chalfont Way, Lower Earley, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 5SY

Telephone
0118 9623 826

hello@powerofpilates.co.uk

Lower Earley, Reading

Power of Pilates is a modern and welcoming Pilates studio located in Lower Earley, Reading. Our fully equipped Pilates studio was opened in 2007 and we have helped thousands of clients achieve their fitness and movement goals. We offer both Pilates…
Terry's Reading Walkabouts

Address

READING, Berkshire, RG1 1DP

Telephone
07505 351517

terry.dixon89@virginmedia.com

READING

Guided walks around Reading from local enthusiast Terry. There are 13 themed walks plus 3 New ones (2022) to choose from, including Town Centre, Architecture, Crime & Punishment, Photographic Heritage walks. Terry' s Walks are non-profit making and…
Bierhaus

Address

8 Queens Walk, Reading, RG1 7QF

Telephone
0118 958 7171

Reading

Bierhaus is the first authentic independent German bar and restaurant experience in Reading. Serving an outstanding selection of German beers by the stein and traditional, home-cooked German food. We have a wine cellar function room available for…

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Top 10 Places To Walk In And Around Reading

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