When staying in Reading, there’s plenty of beautiful countryside to explore outside the city centre. From family-friendly places for everyone to enjoy to high climbs providing you with views over the surrounding areas, Reading offers something for everyone.
As serviced apartment providers in Reading, we’ve collated a range of walking routes over the years that are perfect for either an evening wander in summer or a longer walk on the weekend. Discover the best walks listed below with their corresponding route maps ready to enjoy exploring the area around Reading.
Across Reading, there’s many places to explore. Listed in order of time to walk, from lowest to highest, why not head out for a stroll along one of these routes below?
At the point of the River Thames where the River Kennet breaks away to flow through Reading, there is the Thames Valley Park, with Caversham lakes and the Thames and Kennet Marina nearby.
Using the Thames Path for part of this walk, it’s a short stroll that circles around the edge of the nature reserve.
Route:
Length: 1.7 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Parking: Either at the Thames Valley Park and Ride, or on the road nearby
Notes: As you’re near water, in wet weather it may be muddy, so don’t wear your favourite pair of shoes!
The Kennet and Avon Canal winds its way through Reading, and it’s a great way to connect with nature, even in the city’s centre.
This route is a gentle canal side stroll, but with an optional detour around Waterloo Meadows where there’s a BMX track, amongst other things to see. There are two points that you can start this route from, making it a nice flexible one.
Length: 1.88 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Parking: At one of the business parks at either end of the walk
Behind Reading station and towards Caversham is the historic Caversham Bridge and the Christchurch meadows. Cut through by the River Thames, these historic bridges and areas are a delight to explore, so you might want to take this route a tad slower.
There are also two islands en route to explore if you wish!
Route:
Length: 1.92 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Parking: Pinned on the above map at Hillside Meadows Car Park
While there’s no set route at Lousehill Copse, it’s a lovely area to explore at your own pace, or even to sit, ponder and relax.
It’s owned and managed by the Woodland Trust, who say on their website that there’s a circular route with some steep patches, but that does give you an impressive canopy view of the site.
Route:
Situated just a short drive out of Reading is the old Roman town of Calleva. While not much remains, there are some excavated areas that show what was once there. This walk takes you around where Calleva would have been.
It starts and finishes at the old St Mary the Virgin church, which itself dates from 1180, and has Roman bricks in the walls. It’s an exciting walk, especially for the history buffs!
Route:
Length: 4.48 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Parking: By St Mary the Virgin Church
Taken from the Chiltern’s Society book, who look to preserve and educate people on this fascinating area, this walk is an easy 5-and-a-half-mile loop exploring some of the local historical points of interest such as Exlade Street and the Highwayman Inn. There are three stops on this route which give you an opportunity to explore. The walk starts and finishes at a fantastic country pub, The Highwayman Inn, which is definitely worth frequenting although you may want to book.
Route:
Length: 5.44 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Parking: At the Highwayman Inn pub
Taking you up to Shiplake village and then alongside the River Thames, this circular route is an easy walk for any weekend adventurer.
Starting and finishing at the Flowing Spring pub, where the landlord is very welcoming to local walkers, this route takes you across some glorious countryside before finishing alongside the Thames.
Route:
Length: 5.83 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Parking: At the Flowing Spring pub
Notes: The pub and car park is closed on Mondays, so you will need to park elsewhere if you plan to visit on this day
If you’re looking to stay in Reading and want a serviced apartment that feels like a home from home, see what availability Berkshire Rooms has! And, if you’ve already booked a stay but want to explore more of the local area, get in touch to see how we can help.