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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.
Carluccio's

Address

Davidson House, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3EY

Telephone
0118 958 3095

reading@carluccios.com

Reading

Carluccio's food is freshly prepared on the premises everyday using the best, freshest and natural ingredients, where possible from Italy...
Levi's

Address

The Oracle Centre, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

READING

The Levi’s® brand epitomises classic American style and effortless cool. Since their invention by Levi Strauss & Co. in 1873, Levi’s® jeans have continued capturing the imagination and loyalty of people for generations.
Today, Levi’s® continues to…
Reading Cricket Club

Address

Sonning Lane, Sonning, READING, Berkshire, RG4 6ST

READING

We are a prosperous club with a long tradition of nurturing talented and aspiring young cricketers to be the best that they can be.
Reading Cricket Club is a friendly, vibrant and progressive cricket club that features competitive and successful…
Castle Tap

Address

120 Castle Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7RJ

READING

A short walk from Reading town centre, we are specialists in Great Beer from cask, keg & bottle with an ever-changing range; expect craft beer favourites, Belgian bottles and local classics as well as rotating range of traditional ciders and artisan…
NOW TV

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

READING

Introducing NOW TV - Amazing entertainment on your terms. No contract. Dip in and out at any time. Love TV but hate contracts?
We do as well, so no matter how you join NOW TV you can get the best of pay TV without a contract. That means unmissable…
Palmers Riding Stables

Address

Peppard Road, Emmer Green, READING, Berkshire, RG4 8XD

Telephone
01189 472 496

READING

The stables are in approx 43 acres of Oxfordshire countryside and on the Berks/South Oxfordshire border. We are on a bus route and are 3 miles from the centre of Reading.
The Riding school has been in existence since the mid-1960s and stood where…
Nationwide Broad Street

Address

51 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AA

Telephone
0800 554 0353

Reading

The world's largest building society, run for the benefit of its members. Helping you with your current account, mortgage, savings and other personal finance needs. From April 2021, Nationwide is open to the public on Saturdays, 9:30 till 1 and …
Burley Lodge Equestrian

Address

Hyde End Road, Shinfield, READING, Berkshire, RG2 9EP

Telephone
01189 886 936

READING

Burley Lodge Equestrian Centre is a family run riding centre set in 180 acres of land in Shinfield, just south of Reading, Berkshire. We are a 'BHS Approved Centre' and are very proud to have gained the Highly Commended status from our inspection…
Jo Jo Maman Bebe

Address

29 Chain Street, Reading, RG1 2HX

Telephone
0118 958 1892

Reading

Upmarket retail chain selling stylish, French-influenced clothes for mothers, babies and children.
Madoo

Address

10-14 Duke Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 4RU

Telephone
0118 950 2249

Reading

Italian deli and coffee house selling toasted sandwiches, great coffee, cakes and other goodies as well as a good range of dried pasta and biscuits.
The Botanist

Address

1-5 King St, Reading, RG1 2HD

Telephone
07393 546112

Reading

A concept like no other, offering a soon to be world-famous selection of botanical cocktails, craft beers and ales, Champagne and wine...
Christchurch Meadows Tennis

Address

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

READING

We are based in Christchurch Meadows, Wolsey Road, Reading, Berkshire. We have 4 Hard Courts that are open all year round utilising a state-of-the art court booking and gate access system.
There are two ways, that you and your family can come and…
FootAsylum

Address

84 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AP

Telephone
0118 971 9300

Reading

Fashion-chain specialising in branded footwear, accessories and sportswear for men, women and children.
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…
Wellington Country Park camping

Address

Odiham Road, Riseley, READING, Berkshire, RG7 1SP

READING

urn your adventure into a mini break and stay on our campsite. Offering you access to the Park both during the day and ‘after hours’ and being the ideal base for exploring other areas of the Wellington Estate, the local area and beyond. Book your…
Blagrave Rooms

Address

7 Blagrave Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1PJ

Telephone
07966 263 843

bookings@blagraverooms.co.uk

Reading
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...
Museum of Berkshire Aviation

Address

Mohawk Way, Woodley, READING, Berkshire, RG5 4UE

Telephone
0118 944 8089

READING

Berkshire's dynamic contribution to aviation history is graphically recaptured at the museum. Run as a charitable trust, the museum is at the historic site of Woodley Airfield, near Reading, U.K. - once the centre of a thriving aircraft industry.…
The Narrowboat

Address

Blakes Lock, Gas Works Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 3EQ

Telephone
0118 951 5790

READING

he pub boasts a unique function room, The Majestic Bel, a stationary boat on the river – which can be booked out for all types of events such as parties or corporate functions. The Narrowboat also has a full wedding licence – for those looking to…

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Top 10 Places To Walk In And Around Reading

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