Berkshire Walkers (20’s & 30’s Ramblers Group)

This walk takes in some of the quiet Chilterns countryside around Braziers Park; an area that feels surprisingly empty and remote, given how close it is to Reading.

Pace: medium.
Saturday 7 February 2026
Start time: 10:50 am
Estimated finish time: 3:00 pm
Difficulty: Leisurely
Distance: 12.9km / 8.0mi
Ascent: 285m / 935ft
Type: circular

Walk details
Starting at the bus stop, we will walk the short distance to Braziers Park. Braziers Park is a secular intentional community based at a Grade II listed country house with grounds. The house and grounds will be open for a snowdrop tea. We will walk around the grounds, hopefully admiring the first flowers of spring, before stopping in the house for tea and cake.

Entry is free, but you must pre-book your own ticket using the link here: https://pci.jotform.com/form/253126835054354

Carrying on from outside Braziers Park, we'll head further along Braziers Lane and into the woods. Emerging near to Well End, our route onwards up the valley will be dominated by the Bond-villain-style house high on the hillside that is home to Rowan Atkinson. We’ll then head through Mongewell Woods and Wick Wood to approach the pub stop at the King William IV along the Chiltern Way from the north.

Once suitably refreshed, we will follow the lanes back to Braziers Park and the bus stop. Return buses to Reading (or Wallingford) run every 30 minutes on a Saturday.

Travel details

By public transport
Please travel on the Thames Travel X40 bus leaving stop SB on Station Road in central Reading at 10.15am. This route is not operated by Reading Buses and therefore information about it will not appear on their app. The walk leader intends to travel on this bus (although will probably board at one of the Caversham stops); if it is delayed the start of the walk may be as well.

By car
Parking is available at Braziers Park, if booked in advance via the link above, at a cost of £5. As the snowdrop tea will have finished before the end of the walk, it is recommended that you check with them first, to ensure you can get to your car when we return. Otherwise, please park considerately in the surrounding lanes.

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/

The Berkshire Walkers are run by a dedicated committee team which meets once a month. The committee is voted in each year at the AGM, the next AGM is in October / November. Members of the committee hold their positions for one year. If you are interested in joining the committee, this meeting will be a great opportunity to find out what being on the committe is all about.

The February committee meeting will be held on the evening of Thursday 19th February fom 19:00 to 21:00 (UTC+1, London). The meeting will be a virtual one, via Google Meet.
All our members are welcome to attend committee meetings, though only committee members will be able to vote on meeting matters. Please contact our secretary Ed (ed@berkshirewalkers.co.uk), by 16th February, if you’d like to attend.
The meeting link and agenda will be circulated to attendees nearer the time.

Join the Berkshire Walkers Social Secretary for a few rounds of pool and drinks at The Turks Head. This’ll also be a great opportunity for walkers, whether they’re experienced or new, to share any ideas for walks and socials in the next few months. Feel free to join from 19:00 onwards for drinks and/or food, and please show your interest via here on Meetup.