Estates and Manors of Earley

A walk through the former Erleigh Court, Maiden Erlegh and Bulmershe Court manors, discussing their history, current land uses, wildlife conservations and provision of public open spaces.

Type of walk
Learn something new on a guided tour -  Less walking/more talking

More detail
Originally there were five manors holding land in Earley. The walk aims to explore three of these original estates -  Maiden Erlegh, Erleigh Court and Bulmershe Court - which disappeared as the population of Reading expanded after 1850. 

The walk starts in Sol Joel Park (named after the most famous of the owner of Maiden Erlegh) and takes you down Maiden Erlegh Drive, past the site of the original house, to Maiden Erlegh Lake. This, the surrounding woodland (now a local nature reserve) and some of the trees on Maiden Erlegh Drive, are all that are left of the original estate. The route then turns north to South Lake and High Wood (the latter also a local nature reserve) both of which are all that is left of the original Bulmershe Court Estate. Passing the site of Bulmershe Court (now Parklands housing estate) and across Bulmershe Field and Park the walk continues to North Earley and the site of Erleigh Court estate and house returning along Church Road past St Peter’s Church and school.

As well as discussing the history of this part of Earley, the walk aims to show how development of housing over the years has treated the need for public open space and considers the importance of maintaining green space and green corridors within urban areas - both as a benefit to our health and well-being and as a means to preserve biodiversity within nature.

There will be a short break halfway through the walk to allow consumption of a drink / snack so walkers may wish to bring refreshments. Strong walking shoes or trainers recommended as some of the paths are untarmacked. There are no public toilets along the route. There is a cafe and a garage near to Sol Joel Park both of which may have access to toilets, depending on the time of day.

Walk length / difficulty / accessibility
8km, approx. 2.5 hours / Medium  / not wheelchair accessible / not family friendly

Ticket price
£3

About the walk leader
Mary Bather is an experienced walk leader with Loddon Valley Ramblers, a member of Earley Environmental Group and co-author of ˜Walking through history: Walks and cycle rides in and around Earley.'