Mapledurham Lock and Hardwick House (Reading) 22.9km Hike

Please read the following before you RSVP
Event Host: Grazia

MEETING POINT
Meeting point where the host will be waiting, in front of the back entrance of the station facing Bagnan way road.
Meeting point
The walk starts and finishes in Reading Station

PARKING
For those driving 15 min walk there is free car park at weekends https://maps.app.goo.gl/RY9AuXXxAp4xBZ146

Hike Start: 10:35 am

Hike End: Estimated 6:00pm

Length & Grade: 14.2 miles/22.9 km, 6 hours walking time, good fitness is required, elevation/descent: 295ft

Description:
The walk begins in Reading, following the River Thames towards Mapledurham Lock. This was built in the late 18th Century, with the current bigger upgrade built in 1908. This section involves scenic riverside paths, passing through parks and offering views of the river and its boat traffic.
Across the river in Oxfordshire is a wonderful view of Hardwick House.
Finally, crossing Caversham Bridge built in 1926 would bring the walk back into Reading, completing a circular route that encompasses a variety of landscapes, from riverside paths to countryside and back into the urban environment.
The walk offers a blend of natural beauty, historical interest (Mapledurham Lock and Hardwick House), and the transition between rural and urban settings.
Travel information
From Paddington 9:50am train arrives at Reading at 10:13am
Return ticket off-peak with railcard £18.10
Toilets: at station on arrival
Around 1:30 11 miles from start a choice of pubs the village bar, The Swan and the Cross Keys in Pangbourne
Lunch at around 1:30

PACE: 4 to 5 km per hour with leisurely pace.

BREAK : appx at 1:30PM. Bring your own packed lunch, snacks and water.

COST: Free

RECOMMENDATION: please wear comfortable hiking shoes and dress appropriately to current weather update and bring a backpack, torchlight, pack lunch, sufficient water and cash for GroupSave train.

GROUP RULES

- All attendances must be RSVP, edit RSVP on time to " Not Going" if you are unable to attend.

- Please treat other members of the group with respect & courtesy, understand the boundaries and consider cultural sensitivity.

- Please refrain from criticisms, personal attacks, harassments, loud voices and smoking including vape during the event.

IMPORTANCE:
This event requires a participant to be able to walk 4 to 5 Km per hour and please join only if your are medically fit enough. A cancellation may occur in case of heavy rain or snow, transport's information might be changed and please always check any updates and turn on notifications. Please follow and respect the countryside code;
• Leave gates and property as you find them.

• Slow down or stop for horses, walkers and farm animals and give them plenty of room.

• Make no unnecessary noise; do not disturb the residents or frighten farm animals & wildlife and maintain “ Peace & Quiet “ nature of countryside.

• Keep away from machinery and farm animals.

• Please do not feed livestock, horses or wild animals.

• Make sure you keep to the footpaths to help protect crops and wildlife.

DISCLAIMER
This is an informal activity and each participant must be over 18 and responsible for their own safety. The organisers or event hosts cannot be liable as a team for any damage, accident, personal injury, fight or inconvenience caused or suffered during the event. However we take complaints seriously and collaborate with the police if necessary.
Despite our effort, care and attention, event details can be changed or altered due to weather, transport and many other factors. Please note that event descriptions are merely in estimation such as time, distance and number of attendees etc ..We may take photos and videos at our events which may include you as for motivational and inspirational purposes. By attending our events you understand, agree, respect all terms of this disclaimer and the countryside code.