A gentle stroll through the green spaces around Caversham, north of the Thames - some well-known, others not so! Type of walk Exercise - a healthy walk with some stopping points of interest. More walking/less talking More detail This 10km circular walk takes in some of Caversham's most recognisable places - such as Thameside Promenade and Caversham Court - but also meanders through some of the hidden gems that can be found north of the river. Starting from the northern interchange at Reading Station the route heads straight over the Thames at the spectacular Christchurch Bridge, a crossing which would grace any of the world's great rivers! From here we follow Sustrans NCN 5 route - the National Cycle Network is for walkers as well as cyclists - past the numerous waterfowl that reside on the riverside before heading into Caversham village centre. Then we climb a short flight of stairs up to Balmore Park, a true hidden secret of the area, the views back across town from here are as good as any! Next comes Bugs Bottom, a treasured haven for wildlife and unknown to many. A genuine unspoilt part of Caversham, unchanged for hundreds of years. After a steady climb up Gravel Hill we traverse Caversham Heights, cross the Woodcote Road and enter Mapledurham Park, home to ancient woods and a community orchard, before heading down towards the river. If the weather is fine, this would be an ideal place for us to stop and eat our lunch. We will pass some of the town's most expensive properties before we enter the beautiful St Peters churchyard with its unusual Crinkle Crankle wall. Then our final stop at Caversham Court on the banks of the Thames, and back over the river to our finish point at the railway station. Please bring a packed lunch. On the walk we will pass a small convenience store just before our lunch stop where drinks etc, can be purchased. If it has rained, short sections can be muddy. Conversely if sunny, shade is limited in places so plenty of water and a hat. Toilets at start and finish at Railway Station (main entrance, not at start point). Also in Caversham Centre - 1.5km and at Caversham Court towards the end of the walk. Walk length / difficulty / accessibility 10km, 3.5 hours including a stop for packed lunch / Medium - hard / not accessible for wheelchairs / not family friendly Ticket price 3 About the walk leader Mark is Sustrans Active Travel Officer for Reading and Bracknell - an experienced walk leader, tree & bird enthusiast. Someone who likes to look around and see what is around! Getting there Start/finish: Reading Station North Interchange, so trains and buses a plenty, also bike parking facility. ///town.bats.scout [https://what3words.com/town.bats.scout]

A scenic stretch of the Thames, Elizabethan Mapledurham and a Victorian toll bridge at Whitchurch. The land of Kenneth Graham. Type of walk Exercise - a healthy walk with some stopping points of interest. More walking/less talking, More detail We cross Reading Bridge before following the north bank of the Thames to the lush pastures and the peaceful village of Mapledurham with its Elizabethan manor house, watermill and church. The village was a prime location for the 1976 classic war film starring Michael Caine, The Eagle has Landed. We then pass Hardwick House and cross from Whitchurch to Pangbourne on the privately owned toll bridge - free to pedestrians. We return to Reading by train from Pangbourne station or by bus from the village (transport tickets not included). Please bring a packed lunch which we will eat in the peaceful surrounds of Mapledurham. There will be drink breaks. Walking boots recommended and poles if you have them. Toilets at Pangbourne village and station and Mapledurham Church. Walk length / difficulty / accessibility 13.8 km, 3.5 to 4 hours / Harder - longer walk / Not wheelchair accessible / Not family friendly Ticket price 3 About the walk leader Diana is an experienced walk leader for Pang Valley Ramblers and have led a variety of walks in the Chilterns, the Thames Valley and West Berkshire Getting there The walk is between railway stations, Reading and Pangbourne, with a half-hourly service. Start: north exit from Reading Station (the exit by platform 15) ///ended.sticky.walks [https://what3words.com/ended.sticky.walks]

A social longer walk along the Thames from Reading to Shiplake with the temptation of a pub lunch at the end. Type of walk Exercise - a healthy walk with some stopping points of interest. More walking/less talking More detail From the station we start our walk, making our way downstream, we will pass Horseshoe bridge which crosses the mouth of the Kennet and Avon Canal as it joins the river Thames. As we emerge from Reading, we walk towards Sonning, and on to Shiplake on a section of the Thames Path that takes us through some lush woodlands and beautiful rural countryside. When we reach Lower Shiplake, you will have the option of joining us for a pub lunch at the Baskerville in Lower Shiplake or embarking on your train ride back to Reading. Bring a snack and drink for the midway point. You have the option of joining us for a pub lunch at the Baskerville Arms at the end of the walk. Good walking shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather. Toilets at the start in Reading Station, The Baskerville at the end and Sonning Lock (around the mid point) as long as the lock keeper is present. Walk length / difficulty / accessibility 13.5km, approx. 5 hours / Harder / not wheelchair accessible / not family friendly Ticket price 3 About the walk leader Clare works for the Thames Path National Trail, the riverside footpath that follows the entire course of the River Thames from its source in the Cotswolds to London. She is passionate about walking in the great outdoors and loves to share fun facts with her walkers! Getting there Start and end point: Reading Train Station, Station Hill, Reading RG1 1LZ What3Words:///colleague.stamp.vouch [https://what3words.com/colleague.stamp.vouch] End point: Shiplake Train Station, Station Road, Lower Shiplake, RG9 3NY What3words: ///detriment.funnels.tutored [https://what3words.com/detriment.funnels.tutored] Arrive at the start point using GWR trains to Reading Train Station, Station Hill, Reading RG1 8AG. The station can be accessed via multiple bus routes.

Step into the heart of Readings creativity with Station Hill Unveiled, an exciting tour of the areas most captivating public artworks. Type of walk Learn something new on a guided tour - less walking/more talking More detail Experience the mesmerizing motion of Pivotal, a towering kinetic sculpture that dances with the wind and transforms with light after dark. Discover Seed, a striking tribute to Readings botanical heritage, where intricate bronze reliefs and a bold steel structure celebrate growth and transformation. Then, lose yourself in the vibrant murals that bring the towns rich history to life, featuring legendary figures, iconic landmarks, and hidden local stories, all animated throughout the year to mark special events. Each piece on this tour is a testament to Readings past, present, and future, turning Station Hill into an open-air gallery of movement, light, and colour. Whether you're an art lover, a history buff, or simply curious, this journey through Station Hills artistic landmarks will leave you inspired. There are toilets in Reading Station Walk length / difficulty / accessibility 1km, approx. 1 hour / Easy / wheelchair accessible / family friendly Ticket price 3 About the walk leader Caroline and Liz run Walk Works, and have been guiding a weekly lunchtime walk in Reading for two and a half years. Getting there One Station Hill, Station Hill, Reading, RG1 1NF ///sounds.useful.misty [https://what3words.com/sounds.useful.misty] We are starting and ending at Reading Station, so very easy for any bus or train.