A 9.5 mile circular walk following a stretch of the River Thames from central Reading to Mapledurham House, and returning via woodland and parks on the edge of Caversham.
Walk details
This is a 9.5 mile circular walk starting at Reading station north entrance, heading out along the River Thames to the Mapledurham Estate – which incorporates a 12th Century family house and farming estate – and returning via pleasant woodland and parks on the edge of Reading. Please note: As we’re meeting at the NORTH entrance to the station please follow signs to Caversham from within the station, or walk through the pedestrian tunnel from the town side to find us.
We’ll initially follow a long stretch of the Thames from Caversham, along (probably) Reading’s most expensive road, The Warren. We’ll continue through open fields next to the river until we reach Mapledurham House – a striking, Grade 1 listed building which may also act as our lunch stop. We’ll view the house from the outside and take a quick look around its churchyard, but won’t spend too long here,
On the return journey to Reading we’ll ascend a path through Park Wood, which offers elevated views of the Thames and a slightly spooky old statue named ‘Old Palm’ (if we can spot it amongst the trees).
Having continued through a wood at Noke End we’ll emerge next to Mapledurham Golf Club on the edge of Caversham, where we’ll find our way to the top of a small hill overlooking Bug’s Bottom park.
The last stretch of the route involves both suburban Caversham streets and Balmore Park, which has its own impressive viewpoint across Reading. We’ll stop for a well-earned drink in lower Caversham – either at The Last Crumb, or Fox and Hounds. Both are a less than 15 minutes’ walk to our end point at the station.
Travel details
Train services from Wokingham, Newbury and Maidenhead all arrive in Reading a short time before the walk starts. Some buses to and from Caversham also stop at the north entrance of the station.
Parking is available at Reading station or the nearby Oracle shopping centre.
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
- This walk is limited to 15 walkers including the walk leader.
- 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.