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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Menkind

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AH

Telephone
0118 996 0128

Reading

Retail chain specialising in gadgets, accessories, watches and novelty gifts aimed at men.
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.
The Face Bar

Address

Ambrose Place, Chatham Street, READING, Berkshire, RG2 8SL

Telephone
0118 9568188

sharon.facebar@gmail.com

READING

Modern bar and rock club with regular DJ sessions and a reputation for staging wild gigs.
The Roseate Reading

Address

26 The Forbury, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3EJ

Telephone
0118 952 7770

reception.TFLR@roseatehotels.com

Reading

The Roseate Reading hotel is designed for both business and pleasure, boasting the latest technology, stylish yet functional surroundings and dedicated conference rooms providing the ideal location for meetings and events. All our meeting rooms are…
Reading Museum

Address

Blagrave Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1QH

Telephone
0118 937 3400

READING

Situated in Reading’s Victorian Town Hall, the Museum tells the story of Reading from its Saxon beginnings to the high-tech town it is today. Explore ten galleries of historic and artistic objects. Discover archaeology from Roman Silchester and…
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.
Escapade Reading

Address

Chestnut Walk, Reading, RG1 3HY

info@escapadegames.co.uk

Reading

You've just broken out of Reading prison. Now you’re a fugitive on the run in Escapade's latest outdoor escape room! In the next two hours you’ll need to decipher cryptic clues and complete escape room style challenges that will take you all around…
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…
Reading Serviced Rooms

Address

164-166 Caversham Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8AZ

Telephone
0118 958 9900

hello@readingservicedrooms.co.uk

READING

A brand new self-service hotel offering. If you have stayed with us before then you will be familiar with our highstandards of service and we welcome you back ike old friends. However, if it is your first visit to Reading then there really is no…
Buenasado

Address

The Oracle Centre, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

READING

At Buenasado Argentine Steakhouse experience a unique combination of top quality beef from grass-fed cattle, reared in the fertile lowlands of Las Pampas, and superb world-famous Argentinian wine.
John Lewis

Address

Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BB

Telephone
0118 957 5955

Reading

Iconic department store in the centre of Reading selling everything from home goods and appliances, electronics, clothing, sports goods and more.
The Dr. Martens Store

Address

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

Telephone
0118 956 8536

Reading

Legendary footwear from the iconic boot-maker and home to the 'air-wave' sole. Selling everything from the iconic 8-eye boots, to more modern daring styles.
Deichmann

Address

58 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AF

Reading

Our collection offers affordable shoes from one of the UK's leading shoe retailers. We have everything you could need from smart flats to trainers.
Keeley's Picture Framing

Address

14 Kings Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3AA

Telephone
0118 959 6961

keith.keeleys@hotmail.com

Reading

Framing specialist providing custom and pre-made frames for everything from single photographs up to multiple photo's, posters and more.
The Pantry Cafe & Kitchen

Address

Blagrave Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1QH

READING

A vibrant and contemporary space providing a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle for a coffee or taking time over lunch, you’ll find a great big welcome in comfy surroundings.
Offering a delicious…
Beale Wildlife Park

Address

Lower Basildon, READING, Berkshire, RG8 9NW

Telephone
0118 976 7480

admin@bealepark.org.uk

READING

Beale Park is an outdoor wildlife park within 40 acres set against the River Thames in Berkshire. A home to an exciting mix of animals and attractions.
White Stuff

Address

13-14 Gun Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2JR

Telephone
0118 958 5935

Reading

Fashion chain selling clothes and accessories for men and women, some with nature-inspired prints.
The Ale House

Address

2 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BH

Telephone
0118 950 8119

Reading

Tucked on the corner of Broad Street amid the coffee shops, The Ale House is a back-street locals pub right in the centre of town. There is said to have been a pub on...
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.
Lakeland

Address

97 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AX

Telephone
0118 939 1708

Reading

Kitchenware chain with innovative gadgets and cooking utensils, plus homewares and garden products.

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Top 10 Places To Walk In And Around Reading

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