Walk Reading to Sonning

Walk the Thames Path Reading to Sonning on Thames

Download the Reading to Sonning Walk PDF.

From Reading train station you can join the Thames Path at Caversham Lock. As you ramble downstream you reach Horseshoe Bridge which crosses the mouth of the Kennet and Avon Canal as it joins the Thames. From Reading to Sonning cyclists can share the Thames Path but once you reach Sonning the path narrows so is only suitable for walkers again. 

Heading east along the riverside path to Sonning, the route passes the Caversham Lakes where the GB rowing squad and the Oxford University boat race team train. One of the lakes is names after the Olympic rowers Sir Steve Redgrave and Sir Matthew Pinsent, the Redgrave-Pinsent Rowing Lake named after.

Take a look at the video Gaurab – A Traveller’s Memories of his walk along this part of the Thames.

If you've got time visit Reading's Abbey Quarter, which is the former precinct of one of Europe's largest royal monasteries and dates back over 900 years. As well as the Ruins, Reading Abbey Gateway is a Grade I listed Gateway overlooking the Forbury Gardens is a substantial part of what remains of Reading Abbey. Once part of the Reading Girls School. This was famously attended by Jane Austen and her sister Cassandra. 

Refreshments: In Sonning you will find the picturesque Bull Inn, visited by Jerome K Jerome in ‘Three Men in a Boat’. The Bull Inn is just off the Thames Path and can be accessed by walking through a small church graveyard.

Distance: 3,7 miles each way

Duration: 1½ hours each way

Train station: Reading

Bus: Thames Valley Bus 128 stops at Sonning (circa hourly) and takes about 30 minutes to Reading. The bus stop is by the Fire Station, a 5 minute walk up the High Street and along Pearson Road.

The Thames Path National Trail is a long distance walking route starting in the Cotswolds and it  passes through peaceful water meadows rich in wildlife, historic towns and cities such as Oxford, Reading, Henley, Marlow and Windsor, many lovely villages and some of the best known landmarks of London. There are plenty more walks to enjoy.