What to expect from Reading Walks Festival

Discover surprising Reading and its surrounding countryside through the new Reading Walks Festival, with more than 40 guided walks over five days. The inaugural Reading Walks Festival will bring to life the stories, heritage and landscapes of Reading.

The emphasis is as much about telling the stories of Reading as walking for its own pleasure, so you’ll find that volunteer guides have lots to share with you along the way.

Most walks are free and they range from a 40-minute wander to a 2-day pilgrimage. There is over 1000 years of history to share, from Reading as the centre of medieval religion to Victorian industrial powerhouse – the stories live on in this urban townscape. And with the Thames and Kennet & Avon Canal flowing through the town, the festival also boasts lovely waterside walks, as well as the chance to explore the surrounding countryside in the Chilterns, north Hampshire and West Berkshire.

Most walks are designed to link in with the great local train and bus network, so however you are travelling, you’ll find it easy to join in via public transport.

Come walk with us! More information and booking at What's On Reading.

When is Reading Walks Festival?

The festival will take place from 10 to 14 May 2023.

How to get to Reading Walks Festival

Reading is an excellently connected place to hold a walks festival and is of a scale that makes it easy to get around on foot.

The Reading Walks Festival is committed to sustainable transport and all start/finish points are reachable by public transport (except the Dawn Chorus Walk as it starts at 4:15AM).

The railway station is in the heart of the town, with easy access on foot to The Thames, the Kennet & Avon Canal, the Abbey Quarter and the rest of the town centre. A number of walks actually start at the station.