Reading, England

Thames Path – Reading

Creative Commons: Dr. Neil Clifton

The are 9 miles of paths along the River Thames extending both east and west of central Reading. We’ve mapped two routes, starting from the Reading Bridge, that can be combined. The eastern section is the more scenic. There’s a parkrun on the Thames Path.

Reading Bridge West to Tilehurst: 3.3 miles.  This section of path runs along the south bank of the river, and is mainly paved. Good water views most of the way. The path goes for 3.3 miles just past the Tilehurst train station. Add-Ons: Christchurch Meadows, just across the Reading Bridge.

One-way & train back option:  Tilehurst Station.

Thames Path by Shaun Ferguson

Reading Bridge East to Shiplake. 5.8 miles. This is the more scenic direction, in our view. From the Reading Bridge, the mainly gravel path passes King’s Meadow. After 1 mile, the path turns north, passing Oracle Beach & Thames Park Nature Preserve, turning north with nice views of the marina and Caversham Lakes. At the ~3 mile mark in Sonning, we suggest crossing the Sonning Road Bridge to the north side of the river, where the path continues north as the Thameside Walk and the Shiplake Public Footpath, ending at Mill Ln. Add-Ons: Additional paths in King’s Meadow, Thames Park Nature Preserve.

One-way & train back option: The Shiplake train station is less than 1 mile from the end of the path. Use Mill Rd. to get to the station

 

Essentials
  • 9+ miles of paths. From Reading Bridge, it's 3.3 miles (5.3 km) west to Tilehurst and 5.8 miles (9.3 km) northeast to Shiplake.
  • Fairly flat
  • Reading Bridge is central start point
  • Numerous access points. Train stations in Tilehurst at western end and Shiplake at easterne end

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Essentials
  • 9+ miles of paths. From Reading Bridge, it's 3.3 miles (5.3 km) west to Tilehurst and 5.8 miles (9.3 km) northeast to Shiplake.
  • Fairly flat
  • Reading Bridge is central start point
  • Numerous access points. Train stations in Tilehurst at western end and Shiplake at easterne end