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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Elegant Hair

Address

Union Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1EU

Telephone
07472 884441

READING

Elegant Hair and Beauty Salon is the premier Afro Hair Salon in the Berkshire area.
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…
Perfect Chicken & Ribs

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 950 9696

READING

Perfect Fried Chicken is known for its generous portions, reasonable prices, friendly service, and richly varied halal menu of fried chicken, burgers and ribs. Every dish is meticulously prepared in- house using only the best spices and ingredients.…
True Food Co-op

Address

61 Grove Road, Emmer Green, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8LJ

Telephone
0118 946 1188

Reading

True Food Co-op in Emmer Green, Caversham is a local organic, independent grocery shop. As well as selling fresh organic bread, loose organic fruit and vegetables, organic meat, organic alcohol, organic store cupboard essentials and ethical cleaning…
Games City

Address

Broad Street Mall, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 958 2760

Reading

Independent retailer offering second hand games, consoles, phones, technology and more, as well as buying unwanted goods.
Funda London

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 957 5266

info@fundalondon.com

READING

Funda is an independent, forward thinking stockist of women’s fashion, jewellery and accessories. In store you will discover a large selection of individual, quirky and unique women’s wear that you will find captivating and irresistible.
Caffè Nero

Address

The Oracle Riverside, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 950 0588

enquiries@cafenero.com

Reading

Providing a European style coffee house experience offering premium espresso-based gourmet coffee, authentic Italian food products and a relaxing atmosphere in every store...
Cole Museum of Zoology

Address

University of Reading, Whiteknights campus, READING, Berkshire, RG6 6LA

READING

The Cole Museum of Zoology is owned and managed by the University of Reading. It was established by Professor Francis Cole in 1906 when the University was known as University College Reading. The Cole Museum of Zoology represents a snapshot of…
Christchurch Meadows

Address

Wolsey Road, Caversham, READING, Berkshire, RG4 8BY

Telephone
0118 937 3787

READING

A large, close-cut grass meadow on the north bank of the Thames, stretching from Caversham Bridge to Reading Bridge. Specimen trees and shrubs feature along the bank, providing shade and interest around the play area. The fenced children’s play area…
Spinners

Address

Queens Walk, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QF

READING

Crazy Golf, Ten Pin Bowling and Darts comes to Reading! An independent competitive socialising venue run by local people with an affinity for good times, fine cocktails, ice cold beers and stonebaked pizza. An intimate bowling experience with…
The Sound Machine

Address

24 Harris Arcade, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1DN

Telephone
0118 957 5075

Reading

Specialist shop buying and selling classic 70s vinyl albums plus other eras and new and used CDs.
Ibis Reading Centre

Address

25 Friar Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1DP

Telephone
0118 953 3500

h5431@accor.com

READING

A choice town-centre location, but it's what's inside our hotel that makes all the difference. ibis Reading Centre offers all the necessities with no fussy frills, so from a hearty breakfast spread to free fibre Wi-Fi, a 24hr snack bar to Sweet Beds…
Bowl Central

Address

65 Caversham Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 8AD

Telephone
01182 292233

Reading

Central Bowl offers boutique bowling lanes alongside darts, pool and a lively bar, as well as a modern, cashless arcade.
Bella Italia

Address

Unit 11A, Riverside Level, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 956 6963

Reading

With a menu combining delicious Pizza and Pasta with a superb range of grill and speciality dishes there's something for everybody...
Hop Leaf

Address

163-165 Southampton Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2QZ

Telephone
0118 931 4700

Reading

Hop Back Brewery is the home of the multi-award winning Summer Lightning. While not quite as good as tasting the real thing, here you'll get...
Geo Cafe

Address

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

Reading

Geo-Café is a family-run café, bakery and grocery, providing a range of Georgian delicious food and local produce.
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.
Pierre's

Address

58 St Mary's Butts, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2LG

Telephone
0118 951 0500

Reading

Independent baguette shop offering freshly made baguettes, sandwiches, panini's and more.
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...
Pau Brasil

Address

89 Mount Pleasant, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2TF

Telephone
0118 975 2333

Reading

Brazilian Coffee House and Delicatessen, supplying Brazilian and Portuguese Delicatessen and Patisserie, Seafood and Meats.

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Top 10 Places To Walk In And Around Reading

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