Circling the Heights of Caversham, 7 miles, easy

Calendar

When:

October 21, 2023 @ 9:45 am – 1:30 pm

2023-10-21T09:45:00+01:00

2023-10-21T13:30:00+01:00

Where:

Reading Station (north entrance)
Reading RG1 8BT
UK

Contact:

Zak

Walk

Circular easy medium pace public transport Walk

Less urban-feeling than you might expect, this walk encircles Caversham Heights, taking in the wide green spaces of Balmore Park and Bug’s Bottom, as well as View Island, Caversham Heath and the riverside properties along The Warren. The walk is designed to lead in to the group’s AGM afterwards, but you’re welcome to attend whether or not you’re staying for that (though we’d encourage you to!)

Advance booking is not required, but if you plan on attending this walk, please indicate this on Meetup if you can, so others can see that there will be plenty of people going.

Pace: medium. Ascent: 95m.

Walk details

Setting out from the north side of Reading station, we’ll take a brief excursion east along the Thames Path, crossing the lock and weir to explore View Island before looping around via Hill’s Meadow on the other side of the river. From there we head north (and up, though not too steeply with less than 100m ascent in total) out of Caversham following the green corridor formed by Christchurch Meadow, Balmore Park and Bug’s Bottom with expansive views back over the town.

From the high point of Bug’s Bottom, we’ll then circle west across Caversham Heath, crossing the golf course and descending again to reach The Warren, a secluded lane with riverside properties on one side and woodland on the other, bringing us back into Caversham before we cross the Christchurch Bridge back to the start point.

For those going to the group’s AGM afterwards, it’s a little over half a mile’s walk from here to the venue, and the walk leader will be able to guide you (though this is not included in the length of the walk).

Travel details

By public transport

There are train and bus routes from many surrounding locations into Reading. If arriving by train, leave the station via the north exit (adjacent to platform 15) rather than the main exit.

By car

There are a number of car parks in Reading, including at the station (though others are likely to be cheaper), or there are Park & Ride facilities.

Notes

Please bring a packed lunch and a drink.
It might be muddy – please wear suitable footwear.
Please feel free to contact the leader with queries about the walk, or if you are delayed on the day.

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.