11. Reading to Pangbourne
Reading may have expanded in the last half of the 20th century but the river still provides a pleasant route through the conurbation of Reading, Caversham, Tilehurst and Purley. Pangbourne is reached after a pleasant meadow walk with views of two historic mansions.
Refreshments
Caversham Bridge: Refreshment kiosk at upstream Reading Rowing Club.
Mapledurham Lock: Café. 11am-6pm on fine weekends Easter-Oct and weekdays July- Aug.
Accommodation
Reading: Rainbow Corner Hotel, 132-8 Caversham Road RG1 8AY (0118 9586500). Shortly before Caversham Bridge turn down Thames Avenue and go left at the main road.
Reading: River Guest House, 15 Thames Side RG1 8DR (0118 9479635). On the towpath between Reading and Caversham Bridges.
Tilehust: The Roebuck, Oxford Road RG31 6TG (0118 9427517). Alongside Path.
Tilehurst: Warren Dene Hotel, 1017 Oxford Road RG31 6TL ( 0118 9422556). Near station.
Transport
Reading: National Rail.
Purley: National Rail from Tilehurst.
Pangbourne: National Rail.
Tourist Information
Reading: Church House, Chain Street RG2 7HD (0118 9566226).
Map
OS Explorer 159 (Reading) or 171 (Chiltern Hills West).
