A Tranquil Thameside Walk West from Reading
Reading Walks Festival 2025
A scenic stretch of the Thames, Elizabethan Mapledurham and a Victorian toll bridge at Whitchurch. The land of Kenneth Graham.
Type of walk
Exercise - a healthy walk with some stopping points of interest. More walking/less talking,
More detail
We cross Reading Bridge before following the north bank of the Thames to the lush pastures and the peaceful village of Mapledurham with its Elizabethan manor house, watermill and church. The village was a prime location for the 1976 classic war film starring Michael Caine, The Eagle has Landed. We then pass Hardwick House and cross from Whitchurch to Pangbourne on the privately owned toll bridge - free to pedestrians. We return to Reading by train from Pangbourne station or by bus from the village (transport tickets not included).
Please bring a packed lunch which we will eat in the peaceful surrounds of Mapledurham. There will be drink breaks. Walking boots recommended and poles if you have them. Toilets at Pangbourne village and station and Mapledurham Church.
Walk length / difficulty / accessibility
13.8 km, 3.5 to 4 hours / Harder - longer walk / Not wheelchair accessible / Not family friendly
Ticket price
£3
About the walk leader
Diana is an experienced walk leader for Pang Valley Ramblers and have led a variety of walks in the Chilterns, the Thames Valley and West Berkshire
