Top 10 Walks In Berkshire - Walking Academy

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Berkshire, often referred to as the “Royal County of Berkshire” due to its association with Windsor Castle, is a county rich in history and natural beauty. Situated in South East England, it offers a delightful mix of rolling countryside, meandering rivers, and picturesque towns, making it a perfect destination for walkers.

The River Thames flows gracefully through the county, providing stunning riverside paths and tranquil views, while historic estates such as Basildon Park and Greenham Common add layers of heritage to its landscape.

The county is also home to Windsor Great Park, an expansive area of parkland and woodland with majestic views of Windsor Castle and a wealth of walking opportunities. Berkshire’s varied terrain ranges from the open heathland of Greenham Common to the lush fields and woodlands around villages like Cookham and Swallowfield.

Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll through a nature reserve, a challenging hike along the Ridgeway, or a scenic riverside ramble, Berkshire’s walks combine natural beauty with a deep sense of history, offering something for every outdoor enthusiast.

The Top 10 Walks In Berkshire

1. The Ridgeway – Goring to Streatley

Start/End Point: Goring-on-Thames
Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
Terrain: Chalk hills, open countryside
Difficulty: Moderate
Notable Landmark: The Goring Gap

This section of The Ridgeway National Trail offers stunning views of the Thames Valley, with rolling hills and scenic countryside between the twin villages of Goring and Streatley.

2. Windsor Great Park Walk

Start/End Point: The Savill Garden Visitor Centre
Distance: 6 miles (9.6 km)
Terrain: Parkland, flat paths
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Notable Landmark: The Long Walk to Windsor Castle

A beautiful walk through Windsor Great Park, featuring stunning views of Windsor Castle, historic oak trees, and tranquil lakes.

3. Basildon Park Estate Walk

Start/End Point: Basildon Park National Trust Car Park
Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km)
Terrain: Estate parkland, woodland trails
Difficulty: Easy
Notable Landmark: Basildon Park House

A gentle walk around the picturesque Basildon Park estate, with scenic woodland paths and views of the grand Georgian mansion.

4. Henley to Pangbourne Thames Path Walk

Start Point: Henley-on-Thames
End Point: Pangbourne
Distance: 8 miles (12.8 km)
Terrain: Riverside paths, meadows
Difficulty: Moderate
Notable Landmark: River Thames

A peaceful walk along the Thames Path, passing through meadows, quaint villages, and scenic riverside stretches.

5. Greenham Common Walk

Start/End Point: Greenham Common Car Park
Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
Terrain: Open heathland, flat trails
Difficulty: Easy
Notable Landmark: Greenham Control Tower

Explore the vast heathland of Greenham Common, once a military airbase, now a wildlife-rich nature reserve with panoramic views.

6. Theale Circular Walk

Start/End Point: Theale Village
Distance: 6 miles (9.6 km)
Terrain: Fields, woodland, canal towpaths
Difficulty: Moderate
Notable Landmark: Kennet and Avon Canal

A varied walk around Theale, taking in picturesque countryside, the Kennet and Avon Canal, and tranquil woodland trails.

7. Cookham to Marlow Riverside Walk

Start Point: Cookham
End Point: Marlow
Distance: 7 miles (11.2 km)
Terrain: Riverside paths, meadows
Difficulty: Moderate
Notable Landmark: Marlow Suspension Bridge

A serene riverside walk along the Thames, linking the charming villages of Cookham and Marlow with beautiful scenery throughout.

8. Snelsmore Common Walk

Start/End Point: Snelsmore Common Car Park
Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km)
Terrain: Heathland, woodland
Difficulty: Easy
Notable Landmark: Snelsmore Common Nature Reserve

A relaxing walk through Snelsmore Common’s peaceful heathland and woodland, home to diverse wildlife.

9. Swallowfield and River Loddon Walk

Start/End Point: Swallowfield Village
Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
Terrain: Fields, riverside paths
Difficulty: Moderate
Notable Landmark: River Loddon

This circular walk follows the tranquil River Loddon, offering peaceful views of the countryside and Swallowfield village.

10. Sulham Woods and Tidmarsh Circular Walk

Start/End Point: Sulham Woods Car Park
Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 km)
Terrain: Woodland trails, fields
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Notable Landmark: Sulham Woods

A scenic woodland walk through Sulham Woods and surrounding countryside, with opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy quiet rural paths.

Summary – Top 10 Walks in Berkshire

We hope you enjoy this list of walks and look forward to trying some of them out on your next visit to Berkshire. Why not take a look at other counties too when planning other trips.