The Sights and SANGs of Spencers Wood and Shinfield

Following historic routes through the villages of Three Mile Cross, Spencers Wood and Shinfield and discovering some of the newly established SANGs (Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces)  in the area. 

Type of Walk
Sociable walk - make new friends while walking

More detail
The route shows that, even with extra housing, we still have enjoyable and interesting walks on the outskirts of Reading with links through the countryside adjacent to many of the more recent developments. 

We start at the Mereoak Park and Ride and then follow Woodcock Lane running south from the edge of Three Mile Cross, an old droving road and an original route linking the villages. After just over a mile we strike east and climb to Spencers Wood common. Crossing the common the route goes over the Basingstoke Road and through suburban loops before coming out into one of the new SANG locations and crossing over into Langley Mead SANG, largest of the newly established open spaces which is adjacent to the River Loddon. We then thread our way to Shinfield across the green past the infant school, established in 1707, and then visit the School Green Centre (toilets available and the opportunity for a cup of coffee). Heading north from the Community Centre through some of the new housing past St James Church, we then turn west along to the Ridge SANG. It's the highest point of the route with views to the Tilehurst water tower, the wind turbine, Reading FC stadium and the Blade in the town centre. Finally, we drop down into Three Mile Cross again and then back to our start point.             

Walk length / difficulty / accessibility
11 km / 7 miles / 3 hours / Medium / not wheelchair accessible

Ticket price
£3

About the walk leader
Richard Hatton has been a resident of Spencers Wood since 1988, is an experienced hill walker and active member of Loddon Valley Ramblers,  leading walks throughout the area.

Getting there
Mereoak Park and Ride 600 bus service
W3W https://what3words.com/sums.expert.powers