We are the Berkshire Weekend Walkers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
You have a choice of two options: An easy 5 mile walk with a few inclines and a short train ride back; or a moderate 9.5 mile circular walk with more and longer inclines. Both walks could be muddy in places.
We all do the first half of the walk, which starts by crossing the Thames into Whitchurch and following the Thames Path through Hartslock Wood and then along the Thames to Goring. Here we will stop for our picnic lunch. There is one particularly steep, but short section as we pass through Hartslock Wood but otherwise the walk has only a few gentle inclines.
At this point, those who only wish to do the 5 mile version of the walk can get a train back to Pangbourne. The Paddington service leaves Goring & Streatley station at 22 minutes past every hour, stopping at Pangbourne at 26 minutes past the hour. (Ticket price £3.60)
The second part of the walk leaves Goring on the Chiltern Way heading up to Great Chalk Wood, Cold Harbour and back down through Whitchurch-on-Thames to Pangbourne, making 9.5 miles in total. This half of the walk is more hilly than the first half and possibly more muddy.
Meet for a 10:40 start at the car park outside Pangbourne Village Hall. This pay-and-display car park is free on Sundays. By train from Reading, take the 10:27 service, which stops at Pangbourne at 10:33 and it is a short walk from the station to the car park.
There is an optional pub stop after the walk. Please bring a packed lunch and drink, as usual.
Pangbourne Village Hall car park, Station Road, Pangbourne. This pay-and-display car park is free on Sundays.
