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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Oakford Social Club

Address

53 Blagrave Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1PZ

Telephone
0118 959 4267

oakfordsocialclub@hotmail.co.uk

Reading

At the Oakford Social Club, music is everything. Which is why they put the best bands from across the country on their neon lit stage every week...
Novotel

Address

25b Friar Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1DP

Telephone
0118 952 2600

H5432@accor.com

READING

Perfectly situated in the heart of the town. The guests can choose from executive and superior rooms, all boasting airy, contemporary designs and warmth. Meeting@Novotel, making your meetings a success. Whatever type of meeting you are organizing,…
Beam Wellbeing

Address

Westfield Road, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8HH

Reading

Beam Wellbeing delivers school-based, effective, early intervention support for children in and around Caversham and Reading. As an experienced, advanced practitioner, I run 1:1 Drawing and Talking and sand play sessions as well as group work for…
Victoria's Secret Pink

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 956 1951

Reading

Victoria’s Secret PINK is a spirited lifestyle brand dedicated to the independent collegiate girl. Sometimes cheeky, always fun and absolutely comfy, the range includes hoodies, tees, tanks, sweats, bras, panties, yoga, accessories, beauty and more.
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,…
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…
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.
Sushi Mania

Address

Broad Street Mall, 9 Queens Walk, Reading, RG1 7QF

Reading

Classic Japanese sushi restaurant opposite the Hexagon.
Central Jamme Mosque

Address

Waylen Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7UR

READING

The Central Jamme Masjid, also sometimes referred to as the Central Jamme Mosque, Reading Masjid, or Reading Mosque, is the nearest Masjid to the heart of Reading town centre, in Berkshire, UK. We are located on Waylen Street, off Oxford Road.
Cocoon Hair & Beauty

Address

18 Cross Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1SN

Telephone
0118 951 1114

Reading

Beauty salon offering hair cuts, treatments, skin care and more.
Paul

Address

70 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AF

Telephone
0118 229 0126

Reading
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.
ITSU

Address

31 Queen Victoria Street, Reading, RG1 1SY

Telephone
0118 4020979

Reading

ITSU's eat beautiful menu celebrates the amazing flavours of the Far East; high in nutrients yet refreshingly low in calories and saturated fat. Protein packed low carb salads...
Thai Corner

Address

47 West Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1TZ

Telephone
0118 959 5050

info@thaicornerreading.co.uk

Reading

You don't have to go all the way to Thailand to enjoy this exotic and delicious cuisine. They are a family owned business serving food prepared by authentic Thai chefs.
Pure Gym Calcot

Address

Sainsbury's, Bath Road, Calcot, READING, Berkshire, RG31 7SA

Telephone
+44 3450138995

info.readingcalcot@puregym.com

READING

Whether you prefer to strength training, cardio, fitness classes, or a little bit of everything, we have all the kit and classes you need at PureGym. All of our gyms in Reading are open 24/7 and have over 50 classes each week included in your…
The Reading Room - The Roseate Reading

Address

26 The Forbury, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3EJ

Telephone
0118 952 7770

reception.TFLR@roseatehotels.com

Reading

A luxury hotel that oozes elegance, conveniently located in the centre of Reading. This award-winning hotel is minutes walking distance from the Reading station, with journeys as short as 22 minutes to Paddington. Perfect for a weekend escape to…
Slug & Lettuce - The Oracle

Address

Riverside Level, The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1AH

Telephone
0118 957 1839

slugandlettuce.reading@bayrestaurantgroup.com

Reading

Fantastic promotions, including 2-4-1 cocktails all day every day and mouth watering menu. Slug & Lettuce's guests are taken on...
Card Factory

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
01189 585123

READING

Card Factory is the UK’s leading specialist retailer of greeting cards, gift dressings and party products. You can be sure to find a wide selection of cards, gifts, bags, wrap and everything else you may need to help you cater for that special…
Beaverbrooks

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQ

Telephone
0118 951 2607

reading.branch@beaverbrooks.co.uk

Reading

Family run jewellers trading since 1919, with high standards and a passion for fine jewellery.
Griggs & Mackay

Address

Church Road, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 7AA

Telephone
0118 946 1440

Reading

We welcome you to visit and browse our Berkshire shop where you will find beautiful, unique statement pieces to update your home.

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Top 10 Places To Walk In And Around Reading

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