Sindlesham - Bearwood - Farley Hill - Arborfield

Andrew Long

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Despite the urbanisation of the area south of Reading, there is still much countryside to walk and enjoy. This walk starts off in Sindlesham before heading into fields running parallel to a noisy M4. After that the walk passes through country lanes, over a ford and then past the River Loddon. Stop for a pint (or two) at the award-winning Magpie and Parrot pub on the Arborfield Road before enjoying quiet fields and the woods around Farley Hill and returning to Arborfield Cross Village. Further refreshment can be taken here at The Bull Inn before heading back via Bearwood Lake.

Although not as picturesque as say, the Chilterns, there should be enough variety to keep the walker interested. Also the paths through the woods are clearly marked and there is little chance of getting lost!

Note: the walk runs along and crosses the busy A327 between Shinfield and Aborfield in Waymark 07. Care should be taken here, though the road has good visibility and there are verges to walk on.

The walk also crosses the B3030 in Waymark 16 and then uses the verge in Waymark 18 before the pavement begins. There is an alternative (and unofficial) field route you can take which avoids the verge and this will be explained in WM16.

England - South England - Berkshire - Thames Valley

Features

Birds, Church, Mostly Flat, Pub, Public Transport, River, Wildlife, Woodland

9/29/2020 - Andrew Long

Walked on 20 September. New photos added and walk amended to handle the electric fence in WM3.

6/30/2020 - Gavin Bradshaw

I revisited this walk and it's still very pleasant. There are two updates worthy of mention. You can no longer cut across the field at WM 3. Instead you have to follow the edge of the field all the way round to WM 4. I'm not sure if this detour is permanent, but it's been there a while. Secondly, about two thirds of the way between WM 12 and 13 you'll be crossing a 'nature friendly' footbridge over the new Aborfield Relief road which is cut through the hill and is due for completion Autumn 2020. It doesn't look very nature friendly at the moment, but apparently that is the plan.

12/30/2010 - Andrew Long

Walk reviewed and updated by the Author on 26 December 2010

6/5/2009 - Walkingworld Administrator

This walk was updated June 2009.

6/4/2009 - Gavin Bradshaw

A pleasant and enjoyable walk which is easy to follow and doesn't require anything more than a gentle gradient to climb. Although there are some sections along roads, there are adequate verges or pavements to keep you out of the traffic. When I went in June 09, the path described at waymark 8 had been partially cleared, so there wasn't much wading required to cross the overgrown small field.