Palmer, Brunel, Suttons & Two Rivers
Reading Walks Festival 2024
Mon 13 May, 13:30 & Wed 15 May, 10:30
Starting in historic Palmer Park this varied, largely flat (one gentle hill), circular walk goes through east Reading and north Earley. This is an area richer in history than one might suppose.
The route offers the opportunity to contrast the architectural styles and attention to detail of Victorian Newtown with that of mid-20th century Earley and 21st century business parks. We can marvel at the longevity of the work of 19th century railway engineers, including that of the famed Isambard Kingdom Brunel. We will enjoy the tranquillity of Thames Valley Park Nature Reserve before following part of the Thames Path and a short section of the towpath beside the river Kennet.
Most of the walk is on pavements and good quality paths, however the Thames Path is grassy and may be muddy and slippery if the weather has recently been wet. The walk will be at a leisurely pace and the estimated duration allows time for pauses when snippets of local history will be provided.
Key facts
- Part of Reading Walks Festival 2024
- Learn something new on a guided tour - less walking/more talking
- Medium difficulty / 7.5km / 3 hours
- Start and finish: Palmer Park Sports Stadium
- Bring water and snacks. (There is a small cafe in the sports stadium at the start/finish of the walk.)
- There are toilets in the sports stadium
- Not family friendly
- Not wheelchair accessible
About the walk leader
The walk is led by Keith Brill. "I was born near Reading town centre and grew up in a village north of the town. After university and years elsewhere in the UK and abroad, a change in employer in 1985 by chance brought me back to the town. Periods of working abroad aside, I have lived in the greater Reading area since. A keen walker, I am a member of the Loddon Valley Ramblers (LVR) group and an experienced walk leader, Since 2017, I have led more than 40 group walks for the LVR."
Getting there
Reading Buses nos 17 & 4/X4. From Reading Station/Blagrave Street Stop EO – get off at College Road bus stop
Meet location: https://what3words.com/hungry.burn.assume
Car park by Palmer Park Sports Stadium (charges apply but 3 hours free at the time of writing), Wokingham Rd, Reading RG6 1LF
