First Steps of 2026, 6 miles, leisurely

This 6 mile walk includes lovely countryside, the Chiltern Way, and a pub, making it an excellent start to the New Year!

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.

This walk will be led by Tom H..

Please see our website for more information about the group.

Walk details
We’ll begin by heading down the lanes and across fields to the historic riverside village of Mapledurham, where we will turn southeast towards Reading. We’ll then head up through Chazey Wood to join Jackson’s Lane near Caversham Heath Golf Club. We’ll then follow the Chiltern Way through Tokers Green before heading through Bardolph’s Wood back to the Packhorse.

Travel details
By public transport
Please travel on the Thames Travel X40 bus leaving stop SB in Station Road in central Reading at 12.20 if travelling by bus. 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
The pub have asked that we do not use their car park. If it is not possible for you to travel by bus, please try to find somewhere to 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 snack and some 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.