The best walks and hikes around Reading

Yes, the area around Reading is excellent for circular walks. You can find routes that explore the rolling Chiltern Hills, tranquil riverside sections of the Thames, and historic parklands. For a shorter loop with great views, consider the Reading Pagoda from City Park — Mount Penn Preserve walk.

There are plenty of options for walking with the family. The paths along the River Thames are generally flat and accessible for all ages. For a walk that combines history and nature, the 2.2-mile trail around the Silchester Roman City Walls is a great choice, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past on an easy, level path.

Many trails around Reading are dog-friendly. The extensive network of footpaths in the Chiltern Hills and along the Thames Path provides great opportunities for walking with your dog. Local spots like Thames Valley Park Nature Reserve and Langley Mead are also popular with dog walkers, but always check for local signage, especially regarding livestock.

For stunning views, head to the nearby Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Chiltern Hills to the north and the North Wessex Downs to the southwest offer routes that climb to vantage points with panoramic views over the Thames Valley. A walk from Goring up to the top of the Downs is particularly rewarding for its spectacular scenery.

Absolutely. Reading is a great starting point for beginner hikers. The Thames Path offers miles of flat, well-maintained riverside trails. A gentle option is the Mount Penn loop — Mount Penn Preserve, which is a relatively short and manageable walk. The waymarked trails at Basildon Park also offer various easy strolls through beautiful parkland.

Parking availability varies by trail. Many popular walking spots like Basildon Park (National Trust, may require a fee for non-members) and Silchester have dedicated car parks. For riverside walks starting in towns like Goring or Pangbourne, you'll find public car parks. Some smaller nature reserves, such as Fobney Island, have limited parking, so arriving early is a good idea.

Yes, Reading's excellent transport links make many trails accessible without a car. The town's train station provides easy access to the Thames Path. You can also take local trains to nearby villages like Goring, Pangbourne, and Sonning, which are all fantastic starting points for countryside and riverside walks.

Reading is a key point on several long-distance paths. The most famous is the Thames Path National Trail, which you can follow east towards London or west towards the Cotswolds. The Kennet & Avon Canal towpath also runs through Reading, offering a waterside route all the way to Bath. For a more challenging trek, you can connect to The Ridgeway National Trail in the Chilterns.

The Thames Path around Reading offers a lovely mix of scenery. As you walk through the town, you'll see historic bridges and manicured gardens like Caversham Court. Heading out of the urban areas, the path opens up to tranquil water meadows, gentle wooded hills, and views of fine riverside houses, providing a classic English countryside experience.

Many classic countryside walks in this area can be planned around a pub lunch. The villages along the Thames, such as Sonning, Pangbourne, and Goring, are famous for their historic pubs. You can easily incorporate a stop into a circular walk or a linear walk between villages along the river.

The hiking routes around Reading are well-regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.2 stars. Hikers often praise the variety of landscapes, from the serene riverside paths along the Thames to the rolling hills and ancient woodlands of the nearby Chilterns.

For a winter hike, layering is key. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add a fleece for insulation, and finish with a waterproof and windproof outer jacket. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are essential as paths can be very muddy. Don't forget a warm hat, gloves, and a flask with a hot drink.