Reading to Shiplake Social
Reading Walks Festival 2025
A social longer walk along the Thames from Reading to Shiplake with the temptation of a pub lunch at the end.
Type of walk
Exercise - a healthy walk with some stopping points of interest. More walking/less talking
More detail
From the station we start our walk, making our way downstream, we will pass Horseshoe bridge which crosses the mouth of the Kennet and Avon Canal as it joins the river Thames. As we emerge from Reading, we walk towards Sonning, and on to Shiplake on a section of the Thames Path that takes us through some lush woodlands and beautiful rural countryside. When we reach Lower Shiplake, you will have the option of joining us for a pub lunch at the Baskerville in Lower Shiplake or embarking on your train ride back to Reading.
Bring a snack and drink for the midway point. You have the option of joining us for a pub lunch at the Baskerville Arms at the end of the walk.
Good walking shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather. Toilets at the start in Reading Station, The Baskerville at the end and Sonning Lock (around the mid point) as long as the lock keeper is present.
Walk length / difficulty / accessibility
13.5km, approx. 5 hours / Harder / not wheelchair accessible / not family friendly
Ticket price
£3
About the walk leader
Clare works for the Thames Path National Trail, the riverside footpath that follows the entire course of the River Thames from its source in the Cotswolds to London. She is passionate about walking in the great outdoors and loves to share fun facts with her walkers!
