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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Kokoro

Address

13 Queen Victoria St, Reading, RG1 1SY

Reading

Hand made Sushi, awakening your taste buds with a tastier, fresher and healthier option. If you like to eat simple, cheap but decent oriental food...
Monks Retreat

Address

163-163A Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1HE

Telephone
0118 950 7592

Reading

The name of this Stonegate pub, and the street it is in, recalls the Franciscan monks who came to Reading in the 13th century.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

Address

107 Broad Street, Reading, RG1 2AX

Reading

Founded in 1972 Louisiana by Al Copeland who dreamed of serving the best fried chicken. 50 years ago in New Orleans, Louisiana. A taste sensation was born. What started as one small restaurant with a dream of creating the world’s best fried chicken…
Peppito

Address

The Village (First Floor), 19-23 King Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2HG

Telephone
+447749030514

reading@peppito.co.uk

Reading

Fresh food made with love in the heart of Reading.
At Peppito, we believe that food is a celebration of community. Our menus are thoughtfully designed to enhance any gathering, reflecting our commitment to craftsmanship and flavour. We take pride in…
The Oracle Shopping Centre

Address

The Oracle Shopping Centre, Reading, RG1 2AG

Reading

The Oracle is the leading regional shopping centre in the Thames Valley with a wide range of shopping and dining brands, including Apple, Hollister and Next.
Stitch in Time

Address

24 Cross Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1SN

Telephone
0118 958 1462

Reading

Tailor offering alterations and other services.
Sushi Mania

Address

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

Reading

Classic Japanese sushi restaurant opposite the Hexagon.
Whittard of Chelsea

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AT

Telephone
0118 958 5626

Reading

Enduring specialist supplier of tea, coffee beans and hot chocolate, plus brewing accessories.
Stop & Taste

Address

3 Cavendish Road, Emmer Green, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8XU

Telephone
01183044981

info@stopandtaste.co.uk

Reading

Located in Emmer Green, Stop & Taste delivers a bold, eclectic menu that blends street-food favourites with playful gourmet touches.
The Boundary

Address

21-23 St Marys Butts, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2LN

Telephone
0118 951 9001

Reading

One of Reading's newly refurbished bar's in the Town Centre. A popular place for beer and burgers especially with the students...
You Me Sushi

Address

150 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1HE

Reading

A comprehensive menu with the best sushi in Reading including vegan & vegetarian sushi options too. You can search on Deliveroo for sushi and we’re also in the Just Eat sushi & Uber Eats sushi sections too. Order direct with us online or on our app…
Phantom Brewing Company

Address

Unit 2-3 Meadow Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8LB

READING

Phantom Brewing Co is a craft beer brewery based in Reading, Berkshire. With the main goal of producing the freshest beer, made with the highest quality ingredients, we have worked hard to provide a welcoming community hub in our taproom in Reading…
Premier Inn Reading Central

Address

Letcombe Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2HN

Telephone
0333 321 8345

readingcentral.pi@premierinn.com

READING

Premier Inn Reading Central is located at the heart of Reading. Opposite The Oracle Shopping and Leisure Centre, Reading Central is ideally located for guests whether here for business or leisure.
Rivermead Leisure Centre

Address

Richfield Avenue, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8EQ

Telephone
0118 937 5000

READING

Rivermead Leisure Complex is a brand-new flagship development which provides first class leisure facilities as part of the £40m reinvestment into upgrading sport & leisure centres in Reading. Facilities include a 120 station gym which offers…
Essential

Address

15, The Oracle Centre, Reading, RG1 2AH

Telephone
0118 958 1009

Reading

We stock a fabulous range of Sterling silver jewellery, fashion jewellery, accessories and branded watches - including Ice-Watch, Storm and Swatch. We are an independent retailer and are passionate about providing our customers with fashion forward,…
Blue Collar Corner

Address

Hosier Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2LN

READING

In March 2022, we turned this derelict and abandoned yard into Blue Collar Corner - Reading’s newest independent venue and our first permanent site. Featuring 1 bar, 2 floors & 4 kitchens, a huge beer garden in the Summer and with cover in the…
Fat Face

Address

123 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BD

Telephone
0118 956 8787

Reading

Fashionable chain retailer selling outdoor casualwear & accessories for men, women & children.
Super Star Nails and Beauty

Address

6 Queen Victoria Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1TG

Telephone
0118 958 8875

Reading

Nail salon in Reading town centre.
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…
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.

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Top 10 Places To Walk In And Around Reading

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