A Caversh-AMBLE - surprises north of the river
Reading Walks Festival 2025
A gentle stroll through the green spaces around Caversham, north of the Thames - some well-known, others not so!
Type of walk
Exercise - a healthy walk with some stopping points of interest. More walking/less talking
More detail
This 10km circular walk takes in some of Caversham's most recognisable places - such as Thameside Promenade and Caversham Court - but also meanders through some of the hidden gems that can be found north of the river.
Starting from the northern interchange at Reading Station the route heads straight over the Thames at the spectacular Christchurch Bridge, a crossing which would grace any of the world's great rivers! From here we follow Sustrans NCN 5 route - the National Cycle Network is for walkers as well as cyclists - past the numerous waterfowl that reside on the riverside before heading into Caversham village centre. Then we climb a short flight of stairs up to Balmore Park, a true hidden secret of the area, the views back across town from here are as good as any!
Next comes Bugs Bottom, a treasured haven for wildlife and unknown to many. A genuine unspoilt part of Caversham, unchanged for hundreds of years. After a steady climb up Gravel Hill we traverse Caversham Heights, cross the Woodcote Road and enter Mapledurham Park, home to ancient woods and a community orchard, before heading down towards the river. If the weather is fine, this would be an ideal place for us to stop and eat our lunch. We will pass some of the town's most expensive properties before we enter the beautiful St Peters churchyard with its unusual Crinkle Crankle wall. Then our final stop at Caversham Court on the banks of the Thames, and back over the river to our finish point at the railway station.
Please bring a packed lunch. On the walk we will pass a small convenience store just before our lunch stop where drinks etc, can be purchased. If it has rained, short sections can be muddy. Conversely if sunny, shade is limited in places so plenty of water and a hat. Toilets at start and finish at Railway Station (main entrance, not at start point). Also in Caversham Centre - 1.5km and at Caversham Court towards the end of the walk.
Walk length / difficulty / accessibility
10km, 3.5 hours including a stop for packed lunch / Medium - hard / not accessible for wheelchairs / not family friendly
Ticket price
£3
About the walk leader
Mark is Sustrans Active Travel Officer for Reading and Bracknell - an experienced walk leader, tree & bird enthusiast. Someone who likes to look around and see what is around!
