Reading Walks Festival

About

Led by local volunteers, the focus of the Reading Walks Festival is as much about telling the stories of Reading as walking for its own pleasure, so there will be lots of stops along the way to find out more about Reading and the surrounding area. You don’t need to be a keen walker to take part. The festival will be suitable for all ages and walking ability with walks ranging in length from 40- minute wanders to a two-day pilgrimage.

 

Reading Walks Festival 2024 programme announced

Following on from last year’s successful inaugural festival, the 2024 festival will see almost 50 guided walks take place across nine days in May 11-19 May.

The Reading Walks Festival programme is very diverse and includes guided walks following in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims, walks tracing the early life of poet Wilfred Owen and the Reading of Jane Austen, an appreciation of Reading architecture, a dawn walk to enjoy birdsong, family active walks, sensory walks and dipping into the history of our local brewing industry. There are also walks along the Thames and Kennet, explorations of our parks and gardens, walks around the University’s campuses and walks out into the countryside accessed from local railway stations. All the walks are different. Some will be more talking than walking to help you learn more about a subject; some will be social occasions - just walking and chatting - and others will be more about just enjoying the walk for its own sake.

• There are 15 family friendly walks

• There are 15 wheelchair accessible walks*

• Over 50% of the walks cost just £3 (free for accompanying children)

• There are 5 free walks in the programme

• All walks link into the public transport system with information provided on bus routes and train access to start/finish points. In 2023, over 70% of festival walkers reached the walks starting points without the need for a car.

Thames linked walks:

• Reading to Lower Shiplake Social Walk
• Step-Free 3 Bridge Stroll
• Town Centre and Thames Park Trees

The Festival is supported by GWR as the Official Transport Partner of the Reading Walks Festival 2024.

The full programme can be found at readingwalksfestival.org. Last year, many walks booked up quickly so we advise booking early to avoid disappointment.