What we’re about
Welcome to the Berkshire Walkers (BWs). The BW group is a part of the Ramblers, a national charity dedicated to removing barriers so everyone can enjoy walking in green spaces, and to improving Britain’s most popular and least-known walking places. The Ramblers are committed to campaigning to keep our countryside open to all and to fighting for the things that matter most to walkers. The Ramblers lead the way, and the walks, for a vibrant community united by the joys of walking, helping everyone get more out of their walks.
All participants of all group events are required to adhere to our Group Charter and Ramblers Values - https://www.berkshirewalkers.co.uk/conduct-and-safeguarding/
You can enjoy 3 taster walks with the Berkshire Walkers for FREE, after which you are required to become a member. Annual membership is exceptionally reasonable (just over £3.50pm on Direct Debit).
With membership, you can also join any of the other 500 Rambler groups, including other Berkshire groups and those nearby in Surrey, Sussex, Oxford, and Hampshire. What's not to like! Find out how to join here: https://www.berkshirewalkers.co.uk/join-group/
Groups are run entirely by local volunteers. Local group activities can include inspecting and maintaining paths, organising group walks or running local campaigns. Each group is run by an elected committee giving members ownership of what we do locally. We have over 100,000 members.
Please note: we list a full event programme on our website of walks, socials and trips: https://www.berkshirewalkers.co.uk/
Upcoming events
17
Where the Heath Breathes: The Bucklebury Common Trail, 7.5 miles, leisurely
Thatcham Railway Station, Thatcham, RG19 4PP, GBJoin us for a beautiful 7.5-mile autumn adventure starting from Thatcham Station, taking in everything from peaceful canal paths to wide open heathland and golden woodland trails. This walk has a bit of everything — lovely views, great company, and even a pub stop (because no good walk should be without one!).
We’ll set off along the Kennet and Avon Canal, where the water mirrors the fiery oranges and deep browns of the trees that line the towpath. It’s the perfect, calm start — ducks gliding by, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and that crisp autumn air that makes you feel instantly refreshed. From there, we’ll wander through Colthrop Industrial Estate (it’s brief, promise!) and up past Colthrop Manor, where the views begin to open up across the Berkshire countryside.
As we reach Bucklebury Common, the walk truly comes alive. The commons and woodland are a riot of autumn colour — golds, russets and amber tones lighting up the path ahead. We’ll stop somewhere along the way for a relaxed picnic lunch (please bring lunch with you), taking time to enjoy the scenery (and maybe some cake, if anyone’s brought some!).
After lunch, we continue on through the common to The Cottage Inn, a cosy country pub that’s the ideal place for a well-earned drink — whether that’s a pint, a cuppa, or something a bit stronger. Expect plenty of laughter, cheerful chatter, and a good dose of post-walk contentment!
Our return leg takes us through Upper Bucklebury Village and down through the peaceful Long Grove Copse, where the afternoon light filters through the trees and the path gently winds us back towards Thatcham.
This walk is all about enjoying the simple pleasures — fresh air, changing colours, great company, and that unbeatable feeling of being out in nature. So lace up your boots, bring your best autumn spirit, and come along for a day where the heath truly breathes beneath the golden canopy of Bucklebury Common.
This walk will be led by Jason O..
Please see our website for more information about the group.
By public transport
The walk begins at Thatcham Station. If travelling from Reading please take the 10:33am train, which arrives at 10:48am. If travelling from Newbury please take the 10.15am train, which arrives 10.21am.
By car
There is a car park at Thatcham station is chargeable - via the APCOA app.
Dogs
Dogs welcome on this walk, provided they are kept under control at all times and placed on a lead when requested by the walk leader.
Please see our dogs policy on our group website for more details.
Notes
- Please bring a packed lunch and plenty of water.
- It might be muddy – please wear suitable footwear.
Please contact the leader directly if you are delayed on the day or can't find the group (find contact details on our website). We are unlikely to respond to Meetup comments or messages sent on the day in enough time to be helpful.
29 attendees
Alice Returns To The New Forest, 5 or 10 miles, leisurely
Brockenhurst station, car park, SO42 7TW, Brockenhurst, GBThis 10-mile circuit from Brockenhurst will take in the New Forest in autumn colours!
Advance booking is not required, but if you plan on attending this walk, please indicate this on Meetup if you can, so others can see that there will be plenty of people going.
Pace: medium. Ascent: 107m.
This walk will be led by Tom H..
Please see our website for more information about the group.
Walk details
The first stage of the walk takes us through Brockenhurst village centre and across Black Knowl, where we can expect to see some of the famous New Forest ponies, before entering the Forest proper at Bolderford Bridge.
From there, we continue heading north until reaching the “capital” of the New Forest, Lyndhurst. The church of St Michael and All Angels in Lyndhurst is famous for being the burial place of Alice Liddell, the inspiration for Alice in “Alice in Wonderland” (although her gravestone bears her married name, Mrs Reginald Hargreaves). Depending on time, numbers and preferences we can stop in Lyndhurst at either a cafe or pub. It is also possible at this point (approximately 5 miles into the walk) to drop out and return to Brockenhurst by bus.
The walk then continues by returning to Brockenhurst through a different part of the Forest. Heading through Park Ground Inclosure, Parkhill Inclosure, and Ramnor Inclosure, the final stretch of the walk leads across Balmer Lawn. If there is a long wait for the train from Brockenhurst to Reading, we can wait at the Foresters’ Arms pub, very close to the station.
Travel details
By public transport
Please catch the 09.52 train from Reading if coming by train. The walk leader intends to travel on this train - if it is delayed the start of the walk may be as well.
By car
Parking with charges is available at the station, or nearby in Brockenhurst at Brookley Road - or park considerately in the surrounding streets.
Dogs
Dogs welcome on this walk, provided they are kept under control at all times and placed on a lead when requested by the walk leader.
Please see our dogs policy on our group website for more details.
Notes
- Please bring a packed lunch and plenty of water.
- It might be muddy – please wear suitable footwear.
Please see our group website for more information: https://www.berkshirewalkers.co.uk/
Please contact the leader directly if you are delayed on the day or can't find the group (find contact details on our website). We are unlikely to respond to Meetup comments or messages sent on the day in enough time to be helpful.
11 attendees
ELIZABETH LINE WALK SERIES: Custom House to Stratford, 8 miles, moderate
Custom House , Corner of Victoria Dock Road and Freemason's Road, London, GBToday’s walk from Custom House to Stratford takes us along the Greenway and gives a unique mix of urban and natural scenery through part of East London. Starting at Custom House station, we’ll pass through some of the local parks and Beckton DLR depot before walking along the Greenway, which is a long, elevated pathway that follows the Northern Outfall Sewer. It also offers an elevated, peaceful break from city streets, lined with trees and greenery as well as passing a mix of quiet parks, allotments, and glimpses of London’s canal network to provide moments of calm away from the city bustle. We’ll also be passing wildflowers lined along the path, with occasional breaks in the greenery to reveal sweeping views of Canary Wharf to the south and the modern skyline of Stratford to the east. As we approach Stratford, which we’ll walk around the former Olympic Stadium before walking through Westfield Stratford City Shopping Centre to finish the walk.
As this walk’s fully on paved paths and pavements, it’s recommended that you wear comfortable footwear to fully enjoy this walk. For those who want a pint at the end of the walk, we’ll be stopping off at The Goldengrove, which is roughly a 5/10-minute from Stratford station.
Ascent: 25m.
This walk will be led by Michael v..
Please see our website for more information about the group.
TRAINS:
The recommended train to get from Reading is the 09:29 GWR service that arrives at Paddington at 09:58. This'll give you enough time to get the 10:17 Elizabeth line service that arrives at Custom House at 10:40.
DRIVING:
Due to the cost of ULEZ and parking in London, it’s strongly recommended that you don’t drive into central London. Alternatively, you can park at the car park next to Reading station, where parking fees apply.
DOGS:
Dogs are allowed on this walk as long as they're well behaved.
Please contact the leader directly if you are delayed on the day or can't find the group (find contact details on our website). We are unlikely to respond to Meetup comments or messages sent on the day in enough time to be helpful.
6 attendees
A pre-AGM stroll: Tilehurst to Reading, 4 miles, leisurely
Tilehurst Station, Oxford Road, Tilehurst RG31 6TH, Reading, GBToday’s short walk will take us along the River Thames from Tilehurst into Reading. Starting at Tilehurst station, we’ll briefly walk along the Oxford Road before turning right to cross over the railway and onto the Thames Path. We’ll then walk along the Thames towards Caversham Bridge, which we’ll cross over to head into Christchurch Meadows. At this point, we’ll walk over Christchurch Bridge to head towards our finishing point at Reading station.
As this walk will be followed by the AGM, there’ll be no pub stop at the end. However, everyone’s invited to the ‘Meet the new Committee’ social after the AGM at 16:30, which’ll be taking place at Oakford Social Club.
This walk will be led by Michael v..
Please see our website for more information about the group.
TRAINS:
The recommended train to get the 11:49 GWR service, which arrives in Tilehurst at 11:53.
DRIVING:
Tilehurst station has a good sized car park, where parking fees apply.
DOGS:
Dogs are welcome on this walk as long as they're well behaved.
Please contact the leader directly if you are delayed on the day or can't find the group (find contact details on our website). We are unlikely to respond to Meetup comments or messages sent on the day in enough time to be helpful.
8 attendees
Past events
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