Off road around Reading’s urban woodlands, 8 or 11 miles, moderate

Calendar

When:

January 22, 2022 @ 10:30 am

2022-01-22T10:30:00+00:00

2022-01-22T10:45:00+00:00

Where:

Reading Station south (by Three Guineas pub)
Reading RG1 1LY
UK

Cost:

Free

Contact:

Rich S

Walk

Booking Required Circular Limited Spaces (24) Linear moderate public transport Walk

Join us on an 8-mile linear or 11-mile circular walk around Reading, visiting some of the parks, urban woodlands and waterside paths. There is a planned optional visit to a brewery after 8 miles. Parts of the walk will be muddy, so please wear suitable footwear.

Walk details

We will head out of town along the river Kennet, before joining the Holy Brook along the south side of Coley Park. Our walk will continue north via Prospect Park, Lousehill Copse and up to McIlroy Park for (hopefully) fine views.

After lunch we’ll head across to Arthur Newbery Park, before joining the Thames Path from Tilehurst back to Scours Lane.

The 8-mile walk will end at Norcot Junction bus stop, which has frequent services back to Reading town centre (e.g. Purple 17 bus every 12 minutes).

Alternatively join the walk leader for belated birthday drinks at the nearby Double-Barrelled Brewery taproom (https://doublebarrelled.co.uk/taproom/) if rules allow. Wine and soft drinks are also available.

After an extended drinks stop those of us doing the 11 mile walk will rejoin the Thames Path back to Reading Station.

Travel details

By public transport

Frequent trains and buses to Reading Station

By car

Car parking options include station (£9), Kings Meadow (£5.10) or Thames Promenade (free, but please check signs in car park)

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 24 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.

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.