What we’re about
The Berkshire Walkers are a walking and social group aimed at people in their 20s and 30s and is part of The Ramblers.
We are based in Berkshire, mainly around Reading, Newbury and Slough, and provide walks at a variety of lengths on weekends and summer evenings. We also have regular socials such as pub meets, meals out, ten-pin bowling and trips to museums and places of interest. All are welcome to join the Berkshire Walkers for a walk, whether you are already a keen walker, or just starting down the path.
Your first three walks are FREE for new members. We are part of the Ramblers and we are always keen to meet new members. You can join here.
Annual membership is exceptionally reasonable (just over £3pm on Direct Debit). Membership also gives you access to our social events that aren't advertised on Meetup and socials happen at least two-three times a month. With membership, you can also join any of the other 500 Ramblers groups, including other Berkshire groups and those nearby in Surrey, Sussex, Oxfordshire, and Hampshire.
Joining The Ramblers in general brings all the benefits of being part of the UK's largest walking organisation, with discounts available in many walking shops (e.g. 15% at Cotswold Outdoor). You will also receive a magazine 4 times a year, about walking in the UK and things that affect your rights to walk through our amazing and varied countryside. Your membership fees also contribute to The Ramblers' efforts to promote walking as a healthy pastime, to campaign for access and to fight for maintained access to our rights of way. What's not to like?
Not all our members are on Meetup, so there will be more people on walks than are shown on Meetup. For a general idea, we typically get 10–20 people on our walks. Please note that our social events are not usually listed on Meetup: our socials are for our walkers only (including those new to the group with an interest in joining), and can be found on our website.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Charlbury, Chadlington, Waterfall and Bluebells, 9½mi, moderate BOOKING REQUIREDCharlbury, Chipping Norton
This 9.5-mile circular walk from Charlbury features Cotswold views as well as a waterfall and (hopefully) some bluebells.
This walk will be led by Caroline.
Advance booking is required for this walk, which is limited to 30 people. This is now handled by marking yourself as attending here on Meetup. Please do not turn up without booking your space by doing so, only sign up if you intend to come, and cancel in good time if you can no longer attend so that someone else can take your place.
Please see our website for more information about the group.
Pace: medium.
Walk details
The walk starts at Charlbury station, on the eastern tip of the Cotswolds. We start along a farm track on the hillside with beautiful views of the Cotswold countryside (weather depending!) We will stop for lunch just before joining the Wychwood / Oxfordshire way.
After walking along the side of the River Evenlode (where it might be muddy!) we turn off to ascend up the hill alongside one of the river tributaries. This will lead us to a waterfall (a rarity for Oxfordshire!) where we can pause to take photos. We will then take a refreshment break at The Tite Inn in Chadlington.
The return back towards Charlbury passed through various areas of woodland where we hope to see bluebells. Once we reach Charlbury we will briefly pass through the edge of town and head back towards the station.
Please note that one part of this walk involves walking across a thin bridge over a large pond. There is a hand rail. Please take care when using this crossing. Go slowly and hold the hand rail.
Travel details
By public transport
If travelling from Reading please take the 10:18am train which arrives in Charlbury at 11:01. (You can also pick this train up from Oxford at 10:45.) If this train is delayed the walk will be delayed. After the walk, trains return to Reading once an hour.
By car
Car parking is available at Charlbury station for a charge. Pay on your phone on arrival.
Notes
- Please bring a packed lunch and a drink.
- 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 of the walk in enough time to be helpful.
- Hillside and Riverside: Henley, Fawley, Hambleden & Remenham, 11 miles, moderateSt Mary’s Church, Henley-on-Thames
This walk takes a mixture of open and wooded hillsides on the edge of the Chilterns between Henley and Hambleden, looping back via the Thames Path through Remenham.
This walk will be led by Zak.
Please see our website for more information about the group.
Pace: medium. Ascent: 210m.
Walk details
This walk heads north out of Henley into the edge of the Chilterns, through fields and tracks towards Fawley and beyond, before heading through the wooded hillsides and valleys toward Hambleden, which should be well into spring by now. After passing through the picturesque village of Hambleden (with a possible refreshment stop), we'll continue south across the meadows alongside Hamble Brook to Mill End (where there are public toilets available) and Hambleden Lock, where we'll cross the River Thames before following the Thames Path back through Remenham to return to Henley (where there are plenty of options for further refreshment if desired!)
There is the opportunity to shorten the walk to just over 8 miles by taking the 800 bus back to Henley (or all the way to Reading) from Mill end – however, note that you'll have done all the ascent and rough ground by this point and it's the easy 3 miles along the Thames Path that you'll skip.
Travel details
By public transport
From Reading, either (a) take the 09:29 train, changing at Twyford onto the 09:45 to Henley, arriving at 09:57, and then walk about 5 minutes to the start point; or (b) take the 800 bus at 09:30 from Friar Street, getting off at Bell Street in Henley at 10:05 and walking around the corner to the start point.
By car
There are car parks available in Henley, e.g. at the station, where charges will generally apply. (The station car park has public toilets, for which there is also a charge.)
Please allow time to park, pay, do anything else you need to, and walk to the start point for the listed start time. (From the station car park, it's about 5 minutes' walk to the start point, but be aware that paying can sometimes take a while.
Notes
- Please bring a packed lunch and a drink.
- 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 of the walk in enough time to be helpful.
- Wokingham evening walk, 5 miles, easyWokingham, Wokingham
The 5-mile circular walk from Wokingham station takes in woodland, farms and finishes at the pub!
This walk will be led by Aaron .
Please see our website for more information about the group.
Pace: medium.
Walk details
We will head through the town centre before crossing the bridge in Gypsy Lane and entering in to woodland. We will go past Ludgrove School which Prince William and Harry attended.
We will then go through Gray’s farm which is a Pick Your Own farm. We then continue through woodland and more farm land for a couple of miles before heading back towards the station.
For anyone who wants to stay for a drink at the end, we will head to The Station Tap opposite the station.
Travel details
By public transport
If you are travelling from Reading, please get the 18:09 or 18:19 train to Wokingham.
By car
If you are travelling by car, you can park in the station car park but will need to pay. You might be able to park in some of the roads near the station but please be aware parking restrictions may apply in some roads. Wherever you park, please allow time to pay if necessary and make your way to the start point on time.
Notes
- Please bring a drink and a snack.
- Please note: there is NO lunch stop on this walk.
- 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 of the walk in enough time to be helpful.
- Saturday Stroll: The Blewbury Bumble, 5 miles, easyTickers Folly Field, Didcot
This 5-mile circular stroll takes us just south of Blewbury, a village at the foot of the Berkshire Downs.
This walk will be led by Alex.
Please see our website for more information about the group.
Pace: gentle.
Walk details
We start our walk at the local recreation ground heading up Churn Hill towards Churn Farm. We then walk briefly along Blewbury Down before turning north along the gallops and back into Blewbury.
There are some small hills on this walk but we'll be going at a gentle pace giving us a chance to take in the stunning views.
Travel details
By public transport
If coming by train please ensure you're at Didcot Parkway station in plenty of time to catch the number 94 bus at 13:10 arriving in Blewbury at 13:28. The bus stops outside the pub and it is then a short walk to the car park meeting point.
By car
Free car parking at Tickers Folly Field.
Notes
- Please bring a drink and a snack.
- Please note: there is NO lunch stop on this walk.
- 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 of the walk in enough time to be helpful.