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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Thames Lido Restaurant

Address

Napier Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8FR

Telephone
0118 207 0460

READING

Relax, indulge, unwind at Thames Lido.
Thames Lido is the result of a three-year sympathetic restoration project of a beautiful, historical landmark in Reading: the Edwardian Kings Meadow swimming baths, which first opened in 1902. Tucked away…
Apple Store

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 925 4500

Reading

Apple retail store selling iPhones, iPads & more in sleekly designed spaces.
Three Mobile Store

Address

21-22 Broad Street, Reading, RG1 2BH

Reading
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.
Osaka

Address

The Oracle, Reading, RG1 2AG

Reading
House of Fisher - Kings Road

Address

100 Kings Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 3BY

Telephone
0118 951 4151

reservations@houseoffisher.com

READING

100 Kings Road is House of Fisher’s exclusive flagship Aparthotel in Reading offering a range of studio, one, two and three bedroom serviced apartments perfectly located in central Reading. Just a 5 minute walk away is the Oracle shopping mall and a…
Costa Coffee Caversham

Address

43 St Martin’s Precinct, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8BA

Telephone
01189 475698

Reading

A beloved Costa Coffee franchise nestled in the heart of Caversham, proudly serving the Caversham community since 2007. Recently renovated to the highest standards, this store offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere to enjoy handcrafted coffee and a…
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…
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…
Pret A Manger - Thames Tower

Address

40 Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LX

Telephone
0118 958 8020

Reading

Pret creates handmade natural food avoiding all the obscure extras common to so much of the 'prepared' and 'fast' food on the market today.
Headmasters

Address

2 St Mary's Butts, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2LN

Telephone
0345 459 7722

info@hmhair.co.uk

Reading

Get beautiful, confidence boosting hair at award-winning Headmasters Hairdressers. Choose from over 50 Hair Salons across London and the South East.
Dinton Pastures Country Park

Address

Sandford Lane, Hurst, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG10 0SU

Telephone
0118 934 4424

dintonactivitycentre@wokingham.gov.uk

Wokingham

Dinton Pastures is an oasis of woodland, meadow and lakes in the midst of the most urbanised part of the Thames Valley. Easily accessible for both visitors and local residents with nearby public transport and motorway links.
SWAG

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
01189 574454

READING

SWAG is an independent retailer selling the latest women's and children's fashionwear and accessories. They have been trading in Reading for many years.
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Blacks

Address

3 Chain Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2HX

Telephone
0118 402 8736

Reading

Shop in-store with the UK's leading outdoor retailer. With over 70 stores nationwide, unrivalled expertise and a price match guarantee on everything.
Lovisa

Address

The Oracle Centre, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

READING

Lovisa was created out of the need for on trend fashion jewellery at ready to wear prices. Our trend spotting departments worldwide take inspiration from couture runways and current street style to deliver new, on trend, must-have styles to our…
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.
ProCook

Address

The Oracle Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AH

Telephone
0118 370 2088

Reading

We’re ProCook, UK’s leading specialist kitchenware retailer. For over 29 years, we’ve been helping cooks like you bring more to the table – more flavour, easier prep and more meals to remember. From premium cookware to award-winning electricals and…
Walk Reading

Address

Town Hall Square, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1QH

info@walk-reading.co.uk

Reading

Looking for things to do in Reading? Discover the hidden gems of Reading on an unforgettable walking tour. Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of this charming town as our knowledgeable guides lead you through its streets.…
Thames Valley Wine School

Address

Corn Stores, Forbury Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1SB

READING

Thames Valley Wine School in Reading offers a host of in-person wine tastings from introductory evening sessions to eight-week courses and WSET training aimed at both beginners and more experienced wine drinkers. Food pairing and themed and events…
Up & Running

Address

96 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AP

Reading

The UK's Largest Independent Running Store

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Top 10 Places To Walk In And Around Reading

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