Reading - Kennet and Avon Canal - Pangbourne

Jacqueline Brown

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A relatively flat walk in the Kennet and Pang Valleys, this uses trains to connect start and finish. It is soon into the historic part of Reading, with an ancient church, formal gardens and the ruins of Reading Abbey, then passes close to Reading Gaol (of Ballad fame). It reaches the Kennet and Avon Canal and follows this through the modern Oracle shopping centre, out through suburbs to the countryside in a wide flat valley (prone to flooding!) with many types of birds to be seen. It passes lakes formed by gravel extraction, now used for leisure (water-skiing and sailing).

At Theale (picnic spot and pubs available and alternative end-station) the walk leaves the canal, crosses the M4 (via a footbridge) and passes through farmland to Sulham and Tidmarsh. From here it follows the River Pang into Pangbourne, with its railway station providing a return route to Reading.

N.B. Much of this walk passes through areas liable to flood, so should be avoided after long periods of heavy rain.

England - South England - Berkshire - Thames Valley

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Great Views, Lake/Loch, Museum, Pub, River, Toilets, Wildlife

8/25/2013 - Holly wakefield

Step 3 'flint archway' currently closed due to unsafe masonry. However, you can go through the larger flint gateway to the right of this and head towards the 'blade'(large modern building)

8/25/2013 - Holly wakefield

August 2013, very nice walk with plenty to see. If you want to make a slightly easier walk (or if you are a reading local), you can start this walk from step 6 and park at the oracle.