The best walks and hikes around Reading

Yes, the area is well-suited for easy circular walks. The majority of the trails are rated as easy, often following flat riverside paths along the Thames or Kennet. For a very gentle and accessible option, consider the Harbor Loop Trail — Winton Woods, which is a short and generally flat route perfect for a quick outing.

For a family outing, look for trails in local nature reserves. Wokefield Common Nature Reserve is a popular choice, offering pleasant strolls through nature. Another great option is the Thames Valley Park Nature Reserve, which is known for its open spaces where you might even see cows grazing.

Many trails in the Reading area are dog-friendly, especially the public footpaths along the rivers and through the countryside. Parks like the Thames Valley Park Nature Reserve explicitly allow dogs. Always check local signage for specific restrictions, particularly regarding leads in nature reserves or near livestock.

Reading is an excellent starting point for exploring the Chiltern Hills AONB to the north. You can drive to various trailheads or use public transport to towns like Goring & Streatley. The area is known for its rolling hills, ancient beech woodlands, and charming villages, offering more challenging terrain than the immediate riverside paths.

The North Wessex Downs National Landscape is located to the west and south of Reading and offers a more remote hiking experience. This area is characterized by vast, open downlands and tranquil valleys. It's a fantastic destination for those seeking sweeping scenic views and a sense of solitude on longer walks.

Yes, the most prominent long-distance route is the Thames Path National Trail, which runs directly through Reading. You can walk sections of it heading east towards Sonning and Henley, or west towards Mapledurham. The Kennet & Avon Canal towpath also provides another extensive, flat route for long-distance walking.

For the best panoramic views, you'll want to head into the nearby Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The high points in both the Chiltern Hills and the North Wessex Downs provide breathtaking vistas across the English countryside. Locally, even a simple walk on View Island can offer some stunning riverside scenery.

For a walk through history, visit the Silchester Roman City Walls and Amphitheatre. You can follow footpaths around the remains of the Roman town of Calleva Atrebatum, which features one of the best-preserved Roman town walls in England. The paths can be muddy, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear.

Reading is defined by its rivers. Besides the famous Thames Path, you can explore the Fobney Island Wetland Nature Reserve, which offers a lovely environment for birdwatching and a peaceful walk. The Sharon Woods Lake loop from Sharonville is another excellent choice that centers around a lake, providing calm waterside scenery.

Finding free parking often depends on the specific trailhead. Some smaller nature reserves, like Fobney Island, have small car parks, but street parking nearby is often an option if the lot is full. For walks starting in villages or more remote countryside locations, you can often find free on-street parking, but be sure to park considerately.

The trails around Reading are highly regarded by the komoot community, earning an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the variety of scenery, from the peaceful riverside paths along the Thames to the beautiful woodlands and rolling hills of the nearby AONBs.

The ancient woodlands in the Chiltern Hills are spectacular in autumn. The abundance of beech trees creates a stunning display of yellow and orange. A walk that takes you through some of these wooded areas, such as the Sharon Woods Lake to Gorge Trails Loop — Sharon Woods Park which combines woodland and water, would be an excellent choice for enjoying the seasonal foliage.