Balmore Walk, Dunsden and Sonning, 10.5 miles, moderate

Calendar

When:

February 20, 2022 @ 10:30 am

2022-02-20T10:30:00+00:00

2022-02-20T10:45:00+00:00

Where:

Reading station (north exit)

Cost:

Free

Contact:

Alexandra

Walk

Booking Required Circular moderate public transport Walk

A 10.5 mile circular walk taking in the Thames, north Reading and the surrounding countryside.

Walk details

Heading north across Christchurch Meadows, we will walk up to Balmore Walk with lovely views down over Reading;
We then leave northern Caversham across Hemdean Bottom and up towards Reading golf course before heading east across farmland to Emmer Green;
Passing the water tower, we will make our way across farmland, past All Saints church at Dunsden Green to our lunch stop on the green
We then take a series of footpaths across farmland and lanes (optional pub stop) to reach Sonning Eye, before heading west along the banks of the River Thames for the final 3 miles of the walk.

Travel details

By public transport

Frequent bus and railway services to Reading station from many directions.

By car

Parking can be found at the Hills Meadow car park (RG4 8DH). Charges apply (but probably cheaper than the station car park).

Notes

If you or someone else from your household has COVID-19 symptoms, please do not attend.
Please be considerate to other path users and step aside to let people past – and don’t forget to say ‘hi’ or ‘thanks’!
Please bring a packed lunch and a drink.
It might be muddy – please wear suitable footwear.
If it’s a rainy day, please bring waterproofs.
Please feel free to contact the leader with queries about the walk, or if you are delayed on the day.

Booking details

Do not turn up for the walk without booking, else we will have to turn you away.
Book a place on this walk by completing this Google Form. Booking will open the Wednesday evening before the walk.
If you have any queries, please email walkbookings@berkshirewalkers.co.uk.

Booking onto a walk

Most walks do not require advance booking, and you can just turn up on the day. We encourage those comfortable with Meetup to indicate there that you plan to come though, so that others can see there will be plenty of people there – this really helps to encourage new members to come along.
For the few which still have limited numbers, this is handled via Meetup. Follow the link to a walk’s Meetup page (or press 🎟 Register / 🎟 Tickets / 🎟), and mark yourself as attending.
Social and other events may have their own booking system – please see the event description.

Pace Guide

Gentle: led at a gentle pace with regular short breaks for water or rest. Should be suitable for anyone capable of the distance. (Expect 2–2.5 mph.)
Medium: led at an intermediate pace with fewer breaks but still suitable for most walkers. (Expect 2.5–3 mph.)
Fast: led at a quick pace with minimal breaks. May be a challenge for those with less fitness. (Expect 3 mph+.)

Speeds quoted are only a rough guide, including time spent on short water/rest stops and negotiating stiles/gates/roads etc. but not that spent on longer lunch or pub stops.