The best running trails around Woodley

The George is a decent pub for food and drinks near to the Wall of Fame at Loddon Bridge, a legal graffiti spot beneath the A329(M) where the concrete pillars are covered in murals, full height pieces, throw ups and street art that changes week by week. It’s well known locally as one of the few places where street artists can paint without hassle, so the walls are never static and that constant turnover is what it’s famous for. Access is straightforward also from The George pub car park, and its position right by the River Loddon makes it an easy detour from National Cycle Route 5 and other local paths. Flat and accessible on foot or bike, it’s worth a stop whether you’re passing through or planning a short loop – and pairing it with a pint at The George before or after is always an option.

Rolling through Dinton Pastures in the evening is fast, quiet, and just eerie enough to keep you sharp. The gravel trails run smooth, looping through open glades and shadowy patches where the bats skim low and the bugs feel unusually organised. Signs still warn: “No faster than a jogger.” If we’re still honoring old world metrics, that’s Daniel Komen’s 2 mile world record from 1997—about 24 km/h (15 mph). Back when things were still… consistent. Whether the rule’s enforced is unclear, but if the rangers are still around and still armed like they were during the “wildlife management years,” best keep it respectful. You don’t want to find out what counts as a pest now. Bring good lights, stay smooth on the corners, and be aware: things move in the treeline. Usually ducks. Occasionally something else. Either way-yield with confidence. Ride safe. Keep your exits in mind. And remember: dusk is when the place starts to remember

The lake at Dinton Pastures is visitable on a circuit if you’re scavenging for evening peace and quiet. It’s a decent spot: open water views, good sightlines, and the option to commandeer a plastic boat or pedalo if you need to make a quick exit across the lake. Locals say the islands are off-limits. Makes you wonder what’s really out there. The pontoon looks inviting, but stepping on it feels… wrong. Like there might be a claymore wired just past the “no entry” sign. Still, the view over the lake as the sun drops is solid. Serene, even. Main hazard here isn’t infected—it’s wildfowl. Geese, ducks, maybe mutant swans. Droppings everywhere. Biohazard levels questionable. Footwear strongly advised. Some paths could do with a daily pressure wash—or a visit from a hazmat team. Still, if you’re passing through and need a place to breathe, this spot does the job. Just keep your back to the water. And don’t feed the birds.

Open 0900-1600 daily.

A flat path that passes next to Surrels Wood and Charity Wood, which you'll see on your left, and farmlands on your right.

A beautiful trail that will take you from the little bridge crossing the Old River to the bridge over the Loddon River. Along the way, you will pass between two of the lakes in Charvil Country Park and through several open fields where, if you're lucky, you might even see horses grazing.

Located very close to the River Thames is this church, known for its various church monuments and for being the successor to an Anglo-Saxon Cathedral. Although its two aisles date back to the 13th and 14th centuries, what we can see today is primarily Victorian, as a result of its restoration in the mid-19th century.

Next to Dinton Pastures, we can enjoy this small museum that reflects Berkshire's significant contribution to aviation. Additionally, you can view unique aircraft, such as a Miles Martinet or a Miles Student. For more information, you can visit: https://museumofberkshireaviation.co.uk/