You don't have to be a Pilgrim ~ 1st Day > 21 km / 13 miles
Details
Do this walk because - this is the first of three consecutive days walking from Reading to Basingstoke on the St James' Way.
(We're doing this hike with Variety is the Spice Meetup group.)
You are welcome to join us on any, or all, of the three days. If you complete all three consecutive days walking you are not expected to donate anything to Gosh on the third day.
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 The Three Guineas (just outside Reading Main station) to Mortimer railway station.
Distance: Approximately 21 km / 13 miles
Duration: Walking time circa 5.5 hours.
Grade: Easy/Moderate depending on the weather. The walk has a total ascent of 140m.
Donation to GOSH: £5 cash on the day
What to take: A packed lunch and plenty of water.
Also, we're not insured, so please have your own insurance for this type of activity.
Reading - BBC Weather
Walk description
Starting from The Three Guineas its just a few minutes walk to the ruins of Reading Abbey where The St James' Way starts.
From the Abbey we'll walk through parts of Reading town following the Kennet & Avon Canal.
At Theale it's possible to bail out & take a train back to Reading if you're pushed for time, otherwise stick with us as we head away from the canal towards Sheffield Bottom where we plan to stop to eat our packed lunches. There's a pub and café nearby.
After our break we set off across country for the second half of our journey that takes us through Wokefield Common | Berks Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust and on to the charming village of Mortimer, our destination for today.
At Mortimer we can find a warm café or pub to have some well earned refreshments before catching the train and heading for home.
Trains from Mortimer back to London go every half an hour (change at Reading).
Meeting at
Outside The Three Guineas - Fuller's Pub and Restaurant in Reading
The Three Guineas is close to the main entrance/exit of Reading Central railway station and a good place to get a coffee before we meet outside at 9.35am. We'll start walking at 9.40am.
TRAVEL
by train
The day starts a few strides from Reading Central railway station and finishes at Mortimer railway station.
From London: buy a day Return to Mortimer which will cover both journeys. It will cost £31.60 but with Groupsave or a Network Railcard, it's £21 (as of 15/11/25).
Catch the 9.03 am from London Paddington, arriving Reading Main station at 9.30 am.
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 😊