The Best Riverside/Lakeside Walks Around Reading and Berkshire

The Thames Path: Reading to Sonning

As you amble along, you'll encounter several points of interest that add depth to your journey. The impressive Caversham Lock stands as a testament to the river's industrial heritage, whilst the ruins of Reading Abbey offer a glimpse into the area's rich history. As Sonning draws near, keep your eyes peeled for the Grade I listed St Andrew's Church and the picturesque Sonning Bridge. For those in need of refreshment, The Bull Inn - famously mentioned in Jerome K. Jerome's classic 'Three Men in a Boat' - provides a perfect pit stop for a well-earned pint or a spot of lunch.

Dinton Pastures Country Park

For those seeking a more diverse landscape, Dinton Pastures Country Park presents an extensive network of lakeside walks. Situated near Wokingham, this sprawling 335-acre park boasts several lakes, verdant meadows, and serene woodland areas. The main circular walk around Black Swan Lake spans approximately 2.5 miles and offers stunning vistas across the tranquil waters.

Birdwatchers will find themselves in paradise here, with strategically placed hides dotted around the lakes, providing excellent vantage points to observe a variety of waterfowl. The park also features a welcoming café, children's play areas, and water sports facilities, making it an ideal destination for a family day out in nature.

Kennet and Avon Canal: Reading to Aldermaston

This scenic route follows the Kennet and Avon Canal from Reading's bustling Oracle Shopping Centre to the charming village of Aldermaston. The well-maintained towpath offers a peaceful walk through ever-changing landscapes, transitioning from urban Reading to the idyllic Berkshire countryside.

Along the way, you'll encounter several points of interest that add colour to your journey. The restored Blake’s Lock stands as a reminder of the canal's industrial past, while the wildlife-rich Fobney Island Nature Reserve provides a haven for local flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for the historic swing bridges that punctuate the canal, each with its own unique character. The full route to Aldermaston stretches about 10 miles, but there are numerous points where you can join or leave the towpath, allowing for walks of various lengths to suit your preferences and schedule.

Virginia Water Lake

Although technically just over the border in Surrey, Virginia Water Lake is a firm favourite among Berkshire residents seeking a picturesque lakeside walk. Forming part of the expansive Windsor Great Park, this man-made lake offers a 4.5-mile circular route surrounded by stunning rhododendron displays, ancient monuments, and cascading waterfalls.

As you circumnavigate the lake, be sure not to miss the impressive 100-foot totem pole, a unique gift from Canada to The Queen in 1958. The ornamental Leptis Magna ruins provide a touch of classical grandeur to the landscape, offering a perfect backdrop for photographs. For those with a keen interest in horticulture, the nearby Savill Garden is well worth a detour, showcasing an impressive array of plants and landscaped gardens.

Englemere Pond Nature Reserve

If you’re seeking a shorter but equally captivating walk, Englemere Pond Nature Reserve near Ascot offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. This Site of Special Scientific Interest features a delightful circular walk around the pond, taking you through habitats including heathland and woodland.

The area truly comes into its own in late summer when the heather bursts into bloom, carpeting the landscape in a sea of purple. As you stroll around the pond, keep an eye out for dragonflies skimming across the water's surface and listen out for the distinctive call of Dartford warblers nestled in the gorse bushes.

The Diversity of Berkshire's Waterside Walks

What makes Berkshire's waterside walks truly special is their diversity. From the gentle flow of the Thames to the still waters of Dinton Pastures, each walk offers a unique perspective on the county's natural beauty. The changing seasons bring new delights: spring sees the emergence of wildflowers along the canal towpaths, summer offers perfect picnicking weather by the lakes, autumn paints the riverside trees in vibrant hues, and winter frosts create magical landscapes around the ponds.

These walks also provide an excellent opportunity to observe local wildlife. Kingfishers dart along the rivers, herons stand sentinel at the lake edges, and if you're lucky, you might spot an otter or water vole going about its business along the canal banks.

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