You don't have to be a Pilgrim ~ 3rd Day > 17 km / 11 miles
Details
Do this walk because - this is the third of three consecutive days walking from Reading to Basingstoke on the St James' Way.
You are welcome to join us on any, or all, of the three days.
During 2026 we plan to continue to Winchester and on to Southampton to complete this section of the Camino de Santiago in England.
St James' Way, Reading to Southampton - British Pilgrimage Trust
Walk facts
Form: Linear walk from Bramley railway station to Basingstoke.
Distance: Approximately 17 km / 11 miles.
Duration: actual walking time, circa 5 hours.
Grade: Easy/Moderate depending on the weather. The walk has a total ascent of 170m.
Donation to GOSH: £5 cash on the day. If this is your third consecutive day walking with this group you are not expected to make a donation on this walk.
What to take: A good packed lunch and plenty of water to keep you going for the full distance. A flask with a warm drink could be nice to have. Also something waterproof to sit on in case we have to sit on the ground as Pilgrims may have done.
Also, we're not insured, so please have your own insurance for this type of activity.
Bramley - BBC Weather
Walk description
Starting from Bramley station its a short walk to join St James' Way where we head for the Hamlet of Pamber End and Pamber Priory . We will see it from the outside as we continue towards Monk Sherborne.
We'll find somewhere to stop and have a short break to eat our packed lunches. There is a lack of shops, cafes and pubs so please bring adequate provisions to keep you going.
Next we'll set off across country for the second part of our journey that takes us to the outskirts of Basingstoke where we'll leave the St James' Way and walk a few minutes to a bus stop. We have the choice to nip into The Kestrel pub for refreshment here if we wish.
Next we take the No.8 bus to Basingstoke station. Its scheduled every 30 minutes with a travel time of 20 minutes. The station has several Cafes so this may be a good place to grab a coffee before heading home.
Trains from Basingstoke to Bramley/Reading are scheduled every 30 minutes with a travel time of 7 minutes to Bramley and 26 minutes to Reading.
Meeting at
Bramley Railway station. Please be there by 10.30am. The walk will start at 10.35am.
If you would like a lift from Reading station to the start of the walk please contact Carl R to check availability & meeting place. The 7 seater vehicle will leave Reading promptly at 9.30am.
TRAVEL
by train
The day starts at Bramley railway station and finishes at Basingstoke railway station.
From London: buy a day Return to Basingstoke which will cover both journeys. It will cost £36.40 (as of 15/11).
Catch the 9.33am from London Paddington, arrives Bramley at 10.26 (change at Reading).
Plan your route: TFL and The Trainline
KEY INFORMATION
YOU MUST READ THE THREE SECTIONS BELOW - if you join this trip, you're confirming that you have.
- The perilous bit
- Our FAQs, including an explanation of Group save tickets which will save you money.
- See here for what to wear and take. Specifically make sure you bring good hiking boots and that you are ready for muddy conditions . Please - no trainers, they are not suitable for walking in the wintry muddy conditions.
AND FINALLY
- We're raising money for Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children
We’ll deduct Meetup fees but all the profits will go to GOSH. After each hike, we’ll let you know exactly how much we’ve all raised. And if you’d like to join us and raise money by leading some hikes, please get in touch – the more the merrier 😊