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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Vodafone

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AH

Telephone
0870 070 0191

Reading

Fibre broadband, digital TV, landline phone and mobile services from Virgin Media. Order online for the best broadband, cable TV, phone and mobile deals.
Timpsons

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 9503421

READING

Timpson specialize in all types of shoe and boot repairs – both mens and ladies. We can carry out almost any job you can think of from the smallest piece of stitching right up to a full long sole and re-welt. Any job – any time! Most repairs are…
Blue Collar Corner

Address

Hosier Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2LN

READING

In March 2022, we turned this derelict and abandoned yard into Blue Collar Corner - Reading’s newest independent venue and our first permanent site. Featuring 1 bar, 2 floors & 4 kitchens, a huge beer garden in the Summer and with cover in the…
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.
Mama's Way

Address

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

Telephone
01183273802

reading@mamasway.co.uk

READING

Reading town centre's neighbourood Italian deli.
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…
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…
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.
Gail's Bakery

Address

Broad Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2BD

reading@gailsbread.co.uk

READING

Newly opened in October 2022, Gail's bake fresh, handmade bread, pastries and cakes every day, served with our carefully-sourced house blend specialty coffee. We take great pleasure in using the best ingredients we can find for food and drink,…
Subway - Broad Street Mall

Address

Broad Street Mall, Reading, RG1 7QG

Reading

Whatever you are in the mood for, our Subway store have a huge range of subs, salads, treats and drinks to choose from. And the best bit – every one of their Subs is made fresh in front of you, exactly the way you want it with the bread, salad and…
Heavy Pop

Address

South Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 4QU

READING

Reading-based independent promoters with over ten years of experience in promoting gigs in Reading/ Oxford. We also run the award-winning multi-venue charity fundraiser festival Are You Listening?, Down at the Abbey Festival in Reading Abbey Ruins…
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…
Adrienne Henry Millinery

Address

26 Harris Arcade, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1DN

Telephone
0118 950 4421

adriennehenrymillinery@gmail.com

Reading

Adrienne Henry Millinery specialise in hand-made hats for all occasions.
Therapists on the High Street

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 951 0637

info@therapistsonthehighstreet.co.uk

READING

Therapists on the High Street is a Sports Therapy and Wellness Walk in Clinic, offering accessible, convenient and affordable Sports Therapy. Sports Therapy is an essential healthcare for everyone, from sporting and non-sporting backgrounds.
Choose…
Boots Opticians

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AH

Telephone
0118 957 3901

Reading

Buy glasses, designer frames and contact lenses at Boots Opticians.
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.
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.
Palmer Park Sports Stadium

Address

Wokingham Road, Reading, Berskhire, RG6 1LF

Telephone
0118 304 4787

PalmerPark@gll.org

Reading

Set in acres of beautiful parkland, Palmer Park Sports Stadium is one of the finest outdoor sports centres in the region. The stadium offers a combination of outstanding outdoor and indoor facilities including; Athletics stadium, 460m Velodrome,…
118 Photography

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 3488874

redphoto118@gmail.com

READING

118 Photography is home to a team of professional photographers and editors with years of experience in capturing your precious moments.
Tesco Express - Oxford Road

Address

28 Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7LA

Telephone
0345 610 2847

Reading

UK's largest supermarket chain, with express stores to serve as a quick stop for your everyday grocery needs, or to grab dinner on the way home from work.

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Top 10 Places To Walk In And Around Reading

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