Colne Valley, Langley Park and Black Park, 8 miles, easy

A fairly flat walk exploring the woodland, heath and parkland of Langley Park and Black Park and parts of the Colne Valley Trail.

Walk details

Meeting at Langley station, we’ll head north along the Colne Valley Trail into Langley Park – we may get some distant views across to the house, but we’ll see it closer up on the return leg. After winding out way through the Temple Gardens, we cross into the woodland of Black Park, skirting around the lake and then crossing an area of heathland before looping south again – along the edge of Pinewood Studios, though sadly you can’t see anything that exciting through the fence!

On the way back through Langley Park, we pass close to the main grounds of the house and alongside another lake, before making our way to the Grand Union Canal, with the towpath taking us back to our starting point.

The walk is mostly flat and on reasonably well-made paths, apart from a few rougher paths across fields etc. Note that we do have to cross a major road in both directions between the two country parks, but we’ll obviously take care to do so safely. (If you have a lightweight high-vis item for this, you might wish to bring it.)

Travel details

If travelling by train from Reading, please take the 10:22, arriving into Langley at 10:48 just before our meeting time (This train also calls at Twyford, Maidenhead, Taplow, Burnham and Slough.) The walk leader will be on this train, so if it is late, then the start of the walk will be delayed. Return trains on this line run every half hour.

Parking is available at Langley station, where charges will probably apply. Alternatively, please park legally and considerately nearby and make your way to the station for the meeting time.

Notes

• If you or someone else from your household has COVID-19 symptoms, please do not attend.
• You must follow all safety advice given by the walk leader.
• It is recommended that you bring hand sanitizer or gloves in case you need to touch gates/stiles/etc.
• 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.
• 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.
• We will only use the contact information you provide to get in touch about the walk, or to share if requested with NHS Test and Trace.
• If after booking, you need to cancel your place on the walk, please use the link in your walk booking confirmation email so that we can make your place available to someone else.
• If you have any queries, please email walkbookings@berkshirewalkers.co.uk.