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Third Reading Walks Festival attracts hundreds and high praise
2nd June 2025
The third Reading Walks Festival took place between 10 - 18 May, enticing over 750 people to explore Reading’s history, heritage and natural landscapes as well as the surrounding countryside.
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The Festival, which comprised over 50 walks, was organised by REDA, Reading’s Economy and Destination Agency, with the walks being led by local volunteers along with professionals working in the heritage sector and local walking companies.
Festival goers gave the festival a big thumbs up with a 96% satisfaction rating (78% very satisfied/18% satisfied) and an equally impressive 96% would recommend it to their friends and family.
The walks ranged from a short stroll around the garden at MERL to a two-day pilgrimage along the St James’ Way, a bat walk at Fobney to a medieval history walk in the town centre, an exploration of the University campuses to walking in the footsteps of Jane Austen.
A few comments from happy participants:
“Reading is mostly spoken of as an uninteresting and unattractive town. These walks prove the opposite. I now think of Reading in a different way.”
“Fascinating tour. I learned a lot about a subject I knew nothing about.”
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“A brilliant initiative which I hope continues.”
“Really nice team of people. I had a lot of nice chats on the walk. Made for a very nice day!”
According to the post festival survey, walkers rated the Festival excellent value, with the majority of walks costing just £3. They particularly valued the opportunity to learn something new, be outside, make new friends and keep fit. 73% of walkers came by public transport or on foot or by bike, helping support the green ethos of the festival.
Alex Brannen, Organiser of the Reading Walks Festival for REDA, said: “This year we had over 50 walks and there is still so much of Reading and the surrounding area to explore. The Festival started life as a way of telling Reading’s stories and our knowledgeable walk leaders have done sterling work this year in bringing to life our history, showing off the amazing wildlife in and around the town and giving people an opportunity to explore safely and sociably.”
Reading Walks Festival was supported by GWR, the Official Travel Partner, with 22% of participants coming by train.
