What better way to start the year than an easy walk out from Reading to explore the edge of the Chiltern Hills. The route is approximately 7 miles with good, easy footpaths (but always a chance of mud this time of year!) – so even suitable for those still recovering from the night before!
The walk will start at 13.00 from the North Entrance (Caversham side) of Reading Station. We’ll cross Christchurch Bridge over the Thames to Caversham, then head west through Caversham Court Gardens, then along the Warren towards Caversham Heights.
Crossing into Oxfordshire, we follow paths through the golf course at Caversham Heath, and then join the Chiltern Way via Tokers Green to Dyson’s Wood (No connection with the famous vacuum cleaner inventor, afaik!).
We then begin our return along Hemdean Bottom, before heading over Balmore Park, hopefully with some nice views across Caversham and towards Reading.
A stroll through Lower Caversham leads us to the Fox and Hounds, where we’ll have pub stop to rehydrate, rest and refresh.
From the Fox and Hounds, it is a short walk across Christchurch Meadows, and back to our starting point, Reading Station.
As this is a later start, there is no planned lunch stop, but do remember to bring any drinks or snacks for the way round, and of course some money for the pub if you wish.
Sat Nav: RG1 8BT or 51.4596 -0.9708
Grid Ref: SU715739