Five Parks and an Abbey, 5 miles, easy/moderate

This linear walk takes in the series of parks running through Caversham and Reading from the north, as well as the ruins of Reading Abbey. Optional street food lunch at Blue Collar at the end of the walk before going on to the group’s AGM.

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: gentle. Ascent: 35m.

Walk details

We’ll start from the corner of Rokeby Drive and the A4074 in Chazey Heath, making our way quickly through Tokers Green and across the fields past Dyson’s Wood before beginning our gradual descent into Caversham via a series of parks with only short stretches of street walking between them.

After a short stretch of woodland outside town, we reach the expansive area of parkland known as Bugs Bottom. From there we proceed through Balmore Park with its broad views over the town, across Westfield Park and onto Christchurch Meadows alongside the River Thames. After crossing the river and the railway, we continue to Forbury Gardens, our final park of the walk, and into the ruins of Reading Abbey.

After visiting the Abbey ruins, we’ll make our way into town where the walk will finish with an optional street food lunch at Blue Collar, in time to go on to the group’s AGM afterwards for all who wish to do so.

The terrain is mostly good paths, but there are a couple of sections early in the walk which might be muddy or uneven, and one short but steep grassy ascent (which is why the grade is not “easy” despite the short length, and sturdy footwear is advised).

Travel details

By public transport

From Reading, take the X40 from Station Road at 09:25 to Chazey Heath, alighting at the Rokeby Drive stop at 09:37. The walk leader will be on this bus – if it is delayed, the start of the walk will be too.

By car

There is a small parking area on the corner opposite the Pack Saddle pub, to where you can get the bus back from Reading at the end of the walk; alternatively park in Reading and follow the directions to get to the start by public transport.

Notes

• Please note: there is NO lunch stop on this walk.
• 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.