A Katesgrove Walkabout
Reading Walks Festival 2024
Starting in Pell Street with our backs to River Road we will note Grade II Katesgrove Primary School and the properties in Pell Street before heading over to Elgar Road. Here, we will admire the brickwork and features of its staggered terraced properties, some of which surprisingly have their gardens down to the Kennet. We will reflect on the lost Co-Op printing works and its successor and the history of Reading's bricks.
The story of Trooper Potts VC will be highlighted. Trooper Potts and his family lived in the local streets. Then to the green and blue (we hope) as we walk in Waterloo Meadows alongside the Kennet, undoubtedly an important local green asset and oasis. Will ""Wellington"" boots be needed? We will hear about Roman Gold Hoards and Marianne! Then down past the Hindu Temple and the Whitley Pump heading into town. On route we pass the British School, hear about the little known Kats Company (nothing to do with Andrew Lloyd Webber) and lost pubs before we head down Pell St to pass Katesgrove Primary before ending up at the Hook and Tackle / Namaste Kitchen for a drink and a natter. Phew!
As this is a walk developed with Terry's Reading Walkabouts he always appreciates it when people are willing to donate to his 2 charities, which in 2024-25 are The Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association and ABC to Read.
Key facts
- Part of Reading Walks Festival 2024
- Learn something new on a guided tour - less walking/more talking
- Medium difficulty / 3.2km / 2.5 hours
- Start: Traffic lights at the corner of Pell St and Elgar Rd
- Walking shoes/ boots. Some muddy paths
- Stop at the end for refreshments
- Toilets at the end
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Family friendly
About the walk leader
Richard Bennett is the walk leader.
"I have lived in West Reading, Baker St, since 1986. I am Chair of Reading Civic Society, Vice Chair of the Conservation Area Advisory Committee and a Trustee at Grade II* Watlington House. I have led several walks over the years, I hope to be joined by Terry Dixon (tbc)."
Getting there
Meet location: Traffic lights at the corner of Pell St and Elgar Rd, opposite to Bally Convenience Store RG1 2NZ https://what3words.com/shunts.print.tinsel End: Namaste Kitchen/Hook and Tackle 16 Katesgrove Lane RG1 2ND https://what3words.com/divisions.mixer.riches
10 minute walk from Central Reading . No. 5, 6 or 13 bus from the Market Place
