Reading may have expanded in the last half of the 20th century but the river still provides a pleasant route through the conurbation of Reading, Caversham, Tilehurst and Purley. Pangbourne is reached after a pleasant meadow walk with views of two historic mansions.
Refreshments
Reading: Workhouse Coffee, The George, 10-12 King Street. Mon-Fri 7am-6pm; Sat 9am-6.30pm; Sun 9.30am-6pm.
Caversham Bridge: Refreshment kiosk at upstream Reading Rowing Club.
Mapledurham Lock: Cafe. 11am-6pm on fine weekends Easter-Oct and weekdays July- Aug.
Accommodation
Reading: Rainbow Corner Hotel, 132-8 Caversham Road RG1 8AY (0118 9586500). Shortly before Caversham Bridge turn down Thames Avenue and go left at the main road.
Tilehurst: Warren Dene Hotel, 1017 Oxford Road RG31 6TL ( 0118 9422556). Near station.
Purley: Ivy Cottage, Purley Village RG8 8AF (07779 679552). Turn left after crossing the railway bridge.
Transport
Reading: National Rail.
Purley: National Rail from Tilehurst.
Pangbourne: National Rail.
Map
OS Explorer 159 (Reading) or 171 (Chiltern Hills West).