Reading's green corridor - Kennet, Old Coley Branch Line and Holybrook

Exploring a peaceful, green and almost rural corridor, formed by two rivers to the south west of the town, including a walk along the track bed of a disused railway.

Type of walk
Exercise - a healthy walk with some stopping points of interest. More walking/less talking.

More detail
The walk leaves the bustle of the town centre within half a mile of Reading station, and then follows the Kennet towpath for a couple of miles, past Fobney Lock to reach Southcote Lock. It then follows paths to reach the former Coley goods branch of the Great Western Railway at Southcote junction, before following the trackbed of the old railway to reach the Holybrook. This is followed by a walk through attractive riverside meadows to reach the site of historic Coley Park farm. The final stretch back to the town centre follows the banks of the Holybrook.
No refreshments available on route, but endless options in the town centre at the beginning and end of the walk. Walking shoes or boots or trail shoes/trainers. Toilets at Reading Station and in shops in town centre.

Walk length / difficulty / accessibility
11km, approx. 3 hours / Medium  / not wheelchair accessible / not family friendly

Ticket price
£3

About the walk leader
Steve Vale is an experienced walk leader with Loddon Valley Ramblers. He was born in Reading and grew up in Coley, so that he knows the area through which this walk passes and its history.