Cycle to Sonning

Gill Young, aged 28, tells us about her bike ride along the Thames.

I live in Nottingham, and took the train to visit my friend in Reading for a weekend. We decided to spend a day cycling along the Thames from Reading to Sonning. It had been ages since I’d been on a bike, and I’m not keen on being in the great outdoors when it’s cold, but I soon got warmed-up and enjoyed every minute of it!

The spring weather woke me up after the long journey from Nottingham the day before. I was surprised to see so many people out next to the river at this time of year – I thought it would only be popular in the summer.

What did you like best about it, did everything go to plan?

On the way home we decided to take a detour to avoid the field at the back of the Oracle. We followed one of the alternative paths after Sonning Lock. All was well, and were feeling pretty pleased with ourselves for by-passing the field. But then we had to stop as ducks were actually swimming across the path ahead; the path was completely flooded!

Not wanting to turn back, we waded through the water, which fortunately wasn't too deep. It took a bit of brute strength to pull ourselves up the embankment and onto the trading estate (and dry land!). Despite our jeans being caked in mud and having to clean the bikes after, it was bit we both enjoyed the most!

There was something calming and relaxing about cycling by the water and feeling like all your cares just float away. It was nice to take time to listen to the birds singing and watch all the people walking their dogs. It was nice to see families taking the time to be together. Cycling by the river not only gives you time to reflect but also to connect; to nature, to others, but also to yourself. I can't wait to do it again.

What did you like least, did anything go wrong or was not as you'd expected?

There was no proper path across the field at the back of the Oracle on the outskirts of Reading, making the cycling across there quite tiring (it was muddy at the time). It would be better if the path was more defined.

Did you use any businesses during your trip? What did you think of them?

No bike ride is complete without a visit to a good pub, or so I'm told! So we went to the The Bull Inn at Sonning (just behind a church before you get to Sonning Bridge) for a meal and quick drink before cycling back home.  Instead of turning off to the Bull Inn, cross the bridge and a further 2 miles takes you to Loddon Brewery set in a beautiful 300-year-old barn. The Taproom is open Thu-Sat 10am-6pm and the shop is open Mon-Sat (check times). You can buy Mr Hobbs Gin here as well.