Exploring Coley and its history

The route will include the sites of buildings, factories and infrastructure from 19th and 20th century Reading which were important to the town, and which, by and large, are no longer there. But it will visit some very old buildings that still stand, but are not very well known.

From the town centre, the route passes the site of the old Simonds/Courage brewery, the Vachel almshouses, the Coley mural, the sites of the GWR Reading Central Goods Depot and of the notorious Coley Steps courtyards, before following the Holy Brook to Coley Park Farm, past the site of the former Coley Men's bathing place and the Gascoigne factory. It then follows a route across Fobney Meadows to the old pumping station on the River Kennet, passing under the remains of the old Coley branch line. It returns to the town centre via the Kennet towpath, passing the site of the old Co-op Jam factory en route, as well as the old brewhouse (one of the few remaining buildings of the old brewery).

Key facts

• Part of Reading Walks Festival 2024
• A healthy walk with some stopping points of interest. More walking/less talking
• Medium difficulty / 7.8km / 2.5 hours
• Start and finish: Three Guineas pub, Reading Station, Station Approach, Reading RG1 1LY
• Good walking shoes or boots - waterproof if the weather is or has been wet
• Family friendly
• Not wheelchair accessible
• There will be a brief stop for refreshments - please bring your own
• No toilets en route but available at the station
• Please note: this walk is also being offered on 12 May at 14:00

The walk leader

The walk is led by Steve Vale from Loddon Valley Ramblers, who was born in Reading and grew up in Coley, with first-hand memories of many of the places it visits.

Getting there

Reading railway station - numerous Reading Buses/ River Rapids/ Aviva routes to the station. Meet location - https://w3w.co/storms.island.play