Growing up on a canal boat was something I took for granted as a child. I didn't appreciate the beautiful surroundings we use to moor up by, or the beautiful scenic riverside walks my dad would take us on, I didn't even truly appreciate the beauty of flowers and trees when I was younger, noticing pretty colours at the most, but not their true beautiful nature and I didn't appreciate the wildlife, the other living beings amongst us, not fully anyway. Now that I'm older I yearn for those boat days and the daily riverside walks that I once called home. Thankfully though, I am surrounded by many rivers and thought I'd share my top five riverside walks in Berkshire with you all.
I love nothing more than a riverside walk but must admit I prefer a walk that has a restaurant/cafe somewhere along the way. There's something bittersweet about walking until your legs hurt amongst the beautiful nature of the rivers, trees, flowers, nature and wildlife, then stopping at a little riverside cafe, or a small little independent bakery along the way for a sweet treat and a refreshing drink to keep you hydrated. In no particular order below are five riverside walks in Berkshire that I personally enjoy doing.
Caversham to Henley-On-Thames
Caversham in its own right is home to the River Thames. This 10-15 mile Thames Path walk starts off in Caversham - a village and suburb located north of Reading and leads you to the beautiful Henley-On-Thames, which was preciously voted one of the most beautifulest towns in England. Renowned for its strong association with rowing - particularly the world famous prestigious Henley Regatta rowing event which has been running annually since 1839. Be sure to stock up when you buy bird seed, because from Caversham all the way to Henley you'll be sure to come across many and plenty of different bird species as well as beautiful wild flowers along the way, as well as seeing some historic landmarks too.
Windsor & Eton Riverside Walk
Approximately 3.5 miles long, this walk starts at Windsor Bridge and is up there with my top favourites of scenic walks, because it's paired with so much beautiful history too! I recently visited a couple of the free museums Eton has to offer, as well as checking out the historic landmarks, and I of course had to have a walk along the river whilst I was there! I stopped at The Eaten Cafe in Windsor for a soft drink originally, but had to get one of their brownies too after seeing them amongst other treats on top of the counter, the brownie was so moreish, I should have got two!
Hungerford Warf Canal Walk
Nestled in the heart of Berkshire and known for its rich history dating back to the medieval era, Hungerford is a town steeped in heritage, with its quaint streets and traditional buildings telling stories of days gone by. The walk follows the tranquil path along the River Kennet, offering stunning views of the waterway and the surrounding countryside. The history geek inside me visualises the days in the past, as I walk on by the canal, thinking about how it once played a vital role in transporting goods to this historic market town and how things have changed with modern times. Whilst boats aren't used as a method of transporting goods like that anymore, narrowboats drift peacefully along its waters, bringing back fond memories of my childhood living on a canal boat.
Pangbourne to Mapledurham Lock
A scenic river walk from Pangbourne to Mapledurham (which is technically on the Oxfordshire border) is one I enjoy on a nice summers day. I found this walk by accident one day after going to my favourite butchers Greens in Pangbourne to find they close early on that one particular day! Instead of wasting my car parking ticket I took a walk along the river, and ended up at the historic Mapledurham Watermill before u-turning back to my car in Pangbourne, I've since done it many times and always find it so therapeutic and not too bad time wise, with a visit to Greens an essential of course.
Donnington Castle to Snelsman Common
This was another walk I discovered by accident. My son and I visited Donnington Castle recently, after looking for free things to do in Berkshire over the last half term he had. Once we were done admiring the historic remains of the castle, we decided to have a river walk along the river Lambourn and ended up in Snelsman Common, stopping at the Snugg Cafe for a drink and a sweet treat of course. The walk was nice and easy, with plenty of wildlife and nature to see, as well as a pleasant little walk through Bagnor - a beautiful little hamlet which is well known for it's historic Watermill Theatre. The walk is quite easy to do and was under an hour each way.
Do you know any other local to Berkshire riverside walks with refreshment opportunities along the way?
Until next time,
Jada x
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