Top 5 Walks around Reading

Reading might be a bustling town, but there's surprisingly a lot of open space to enjoy a walk alongside the river or in the stunning countryside. We've put together the Top 5 walks Reading has to offer to get you motivated!

Whether you're aiming to improve your fitness or just looking for a different place to walk the dog, here's our list of 5 walks in Reading we believe are worth doing!

1. Basildon Park

If you're looking for a circuluar family fun walk, Basildon Park is the one. With 400 acres of stunning Berkshire countryside for the dogs to run around in and seasonal trails to keep the kids entertained, Basildon is a true gem. Also take advantage of the National Trust property by exploring the stunning 18th century house - it's a true beauty and the decoration has been restored from how it would have been back in it's day. For car parking, use postcode RG8 9NR. Note: As Basildon Park is owned by the National Trust, there is a charge. Click here for more information

2. Thames Path

A popular Thames Path walk is from Reading to Henley, which works out at around 9 miles (so definitely a walk for the keener walkers!). Despite the length, the walk is not a difficult one. There is also an option to cut the walk much shorter at 2.2 miles. The flat tow-path runs along the river all the way to Henley, through all the beautiful scenery it has to offer. Around 3.5 miles into the walk, there is a pub, The Bull Inn, which makes a great pitstop. Parking at RG1 3JH. 

3. Prospect Park

Prospect Park is Reading's largest open space, so naturally, it's a popular and favourite of many. With plenty of woodland and open park space full of nature and wildlife to explore, it makes a lovely family friendly walk. Best known for it's fantastic sport facilities, including table tennis, rugby and basketball, it's the ideal place for fitness as well as walking. There is plenty of parking at the top of the park, use postcode RG30 2ND in SatNav. 

4. River Kennet and Waterloo Meadows

The Waterloo Meadows are certainly a sight to see once the nicer weather begins to come in. With fields upon fields of wild flowers including poppies, oxeye daisies and field scabious, it's a picture perfect setting which makes a stunning stroll. Waterloo Meadows sit right on the edge of the River Kennet, so it's a true wildlife haven. There are some amenities near the small car park on Elgar Road (SN2 0BN) including toilets and children's play facilities. Click here for more information

5. Clayfield Copse

Slightly out of town, Clayfield Copse makes a beautiful woodland walk and is perfect for dogs. It is stunning at all times of year, but especially worth a visit in April time when the beautiful carpet of bluebells covers the entire woodland. Small paths wind in and out of the trees and the walk is very flat. It's ideal to let your little ones and dogs run free and enjoy the nature and wildlife it offers! Parking: RG4 6RT. Click here for more information

So there we have it! This is what we believe to be 5 of the best walks in Reading. It was difficult narrowing it down to just 5! Have we missed your favourite? Be sure to let us know by tweeting us at @TotalReading!