Reading to Henley - the fields and woods way

A linear walk through parks, woods, fields and lanes, from Reading to Henley by way of Caversham, Dunsden Green, Binfield Heath and Mill Meadows in Henley. 

Type of Walk
Healthy exercise - more walking/less talking    

More detail
Rather than taking the Thames Path from Reading to Henley, this linear walk follows a less well-known route through parks, fields and woods. The walk starts outside the north (Caversham) entrance to Reading Train Station. After crossing the river to Caversham, we walk through Christchurch Meadows and up to Balmore Park (originally known as Balmers Fields) where the Royalists suffered heavy losses during the Civil War. 

We take Balmore Walk, with excellent views of Reading, Caversham and Earley, and then walk through woodland and open space to reach Emmer Green Pond. From here, the footpaths through Caversham Park Village lead us to Caversham Park Recreation Ground, from where we follow the edge of Blackhouse Wood to Littlestead Green and then walk across the fields (more excellent views) to Dunsden Green.

We stop here for a break as the Loddon Brewery serves hot drinks, soft drinks and beer and then continue through the fields to Binfield Heath Chapel. After a short walk along the road to Binfield Heath Recreation Ground we follow quiet lanes and footpaths to Bones Wood. The route takes us through the wood, then a short road walk and footpath take us through Hunts Green to the Recreation Ground at the top of Gillots Lane (Henley). We will take a second break for our picnic lunch here. 

We then walk down Peppard Lane and Mill Lane to Marsh Lock in Henley before following the Thames Path through Marsh Meadows to Mill Meadows, where there is a cafe (and public conveniences). 

Walkers will be shown the way to the railway station and the bus stop, from where they will make their own way home. 
Please note - some of the paths are uneven and could be muddy so it is advisable to wear walking boots

Walk length / difficulty / accessibility
16 km / 10 miles / 6 hours / hard / not wheelchair accessible

Ticket price
£3

About the walk leader
Mary Bather is an experienced walk leader with the Loddon Valley Ramblers.                

Getting there
North (Caversham) entrance to Reading Train Station. Easy access bus and train.
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