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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Reading Quality Fish

Address

7 West Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1TT

Telephone
0118 957 6917

Info@readingqualityfish.co.uk

Reading

Independently owned fish mongers.
Buzz Gym

Address

100 Kings Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 3BY

Telephone
0118 958 4589

READING

Buzz Gym is not just another boring gym. Buzz Gym is a fresh, fully equipped gym with a full studio class timetable for a low affordable monthly price. Located in Reading, Slough, Swindon, Oxford and Harrow. Buzz Gym is open 24 hours a day with no…
Paul

Address

70 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AF

Telephone
0118 229 0126

Reading
Leeds Building Society

Address

10 Cross Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1SN

Telephone
0118 957 5192

Reading

Savings, mortgages, ISA's and insurance products. Over 140 years of experience in the industry with Leeds Building Society.
NatWest

Address

Level 1, The Oracle Shopping Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AH

Telephone
0845 600 2803

Reading

Welcome to NatWest. Our extensive personal banking products including bank accounts, mortgages, credit cards, loans and more. Visit today to find out more.
Boots - Broad Street

Address

47-48 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AE

Telephone
0118 957 1135

Reading

Shop our extensive range of health and beauty products from leading brands, fragrances for her and him, gift sets and much more.
H&T Pawnbrokers

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 9599946

info@handt.co.uk

READING

H & T Pawnbrokers are here to help you access cash in a safe and friendly environment. Depending on your need, they will try to find the right solution for you from a wide range of products.
Boost

Address

The Oracle, Reading, RG1 2AQ

Reading

Boost make fresh, nutritious stuff that tastes good, makes you feel great and always gives you something to smile about. Here at Boost we pride ourselves on making it easy for you to be healthy. Our menu of juices and smoothies, featuring fresh…
Poundland

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 958 1795

READING

Poundland’s retailing concept is extremely simple: a range of more than 3,000 items – representing AMAZING VALUE for money.
Foodies

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

READING

Discover the flavours of India's culinary heritage with fabulous samosa's and refreshing Chai Teas. For dessert, soft ice cream and cool slushy's.
Boots - Reading Station

Address

Brunei Arcade, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LT

Telephone
0118 959 1523

Reading

Shop our extensive range of health and beauty products from leading brands, fragrances for her and him, gift sets and much more.
PACK & SEND UK

Address

43-45 Milford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 8LG

Telephone
0118 958 4498

reading@packsend.co.uk

Reading

PACK & SEND Reading are different from other international transportation companies. Located close to the town centre and providing international delivery and shipping services combined with specialist packing options, PACK & SEND Reading opened in…
Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra

Address

London Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 5AQ

READING

The Aldworth Philharmonic is an non-professional orchestra based in Reading, Berkshire. It’s named after the founder of Reading Blue Coat School, Richard Aldworth. RBCS has been a brilliant supporter over the years and two of its former Headmasters…
Albin & Co Solicitors

Address

46a West Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1TZ

Telephone
0118 957 4018

Reading

Albin & Co are highly respected solicitors offering legal advice to legal aid & privately funded clients.
TUI

Address

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

Telephone
0118 958 2331

Reading

Discover your smile with TUI, the world's biggest travel group. We offer you even more handpicked holiday choices, city breaks, short breaks, cruises as well First Choice holiday packages.
Snappy Snaps

Address

149 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1EX

Telephone
0118 958 6215

info@snappysnaps-reading.co.uk

Reading

Photography and digital services chain offering prints, frames, enlargements and personalised gifts.
Boux Avenue

Address

The Oracle Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AH

Reading

Boux Avenue are obsessed with fit, designing unique lingerie, nightwear and loungewear collections, inspired by YOU. With exceptional service, including an expert bra fitting experience and inclusive size offering; you'll find lingerie available in…
Sainsbury's - Broad Street

Address

7-8 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BH

Telephone
0118 959 9824

Reading

Well known supermarket offering a massive range of groceries in the town centre.
Greggs, 18 West St

Address

8 West Street, Reading, RG1 1TT

Reading
Premier

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 958 1357

READING

With over 3000 stores nationwide, Premier is one of the UK’s number one convenience store. Offering the best in essential products, bringing amazing value locally.

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Top 10 Places To Walk In And Around Reading

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