Oxford to Reading – Moderate
3 walking days
4 nights accommodation
Walking distance 42 miles
This itinerary starts at the university city of Oxford and works its way down through farm lands of the Chilterns reaching its terminus at the town of Reading. The walk is completely flat except between Goring and Pangbourne where the Path rises steeply (100 feet) above the riverbank to reach its highest point.
The Path is well signposted and follows the river most of the time.
Towns and villages are encountered frequently.
This is one of the prettiest stretches of the Thames Path as the river winds its way between the Chilterns and the South Downs.
Itinerary
Day 0 Arrive at Bath Place, Oxford
Arrive at your leisure in Oxford and stay at Bath Place, once frequented by Elisabeth Taylor, and situated in the heart of the old University and handy for sightseeing and restaurants. Hotel.
Oxford is the oldest and most celebrated university town in Europe. It is also home to J R Tolkien, Cardinal (now Saint) John Neumann and Harry Potter!
If you arrive early you can spend the afternoon exploring this magical city. And you don’t need to dig deep to enjoy. Highlights are Christ Church Cathedral, Christ Church college founded by Cardinal Wolsey, the Bodleian Library which houses every single book ever published in the UK, Magdalen College, the Radcliffe Camera, and the Ashmolean Museum (free admission).
Day 1 Oxford to Abingdon 10.6 miles
The Journey
The Path starts a mile from your hotel so you will walk back through the town, past the railway station to Osney Bridge where you pick up the Thames Path.
After a mile on the Thames you pass the lovely Folly Bridge with Christ Church meadow behind.
After four miles of pleasant river walking, where you will inevitably see rowing crews exercising, you will arrive at Sandford Lock where, if it’s not too early, you can have lunch at the Kings Arms.
Beyond Sandford the suburbs of Oxford are now far behind and the Path becomes very quiet. You will pass the boat house of Radley College, the famous school, and, across the river is Nuneham House, the grounds designed by Capability Brown.
Trees line the river giving you welcome shade as you make your final stretch to the market town of Abingdon.
The Destination
Abingdon is a historic market town. A Benedictine abbey was founded here as far back as the 7th century although there’s little left of it now. There are numerous shops, hotels, restaurants, bars and cafes. It also marks the end point of “Swan Upping” where new-born swans of the River Thames are divided and marked between ancient companies. Abingdon’s more recent claim to fame is as home to MG cars.
You will stay at Cosener’s House which sits in the beautiful grounds of the Abbey on the right bank of the Thames a few metres upstream from the bridge. The house takes its name from Cuisinier, the person responsible for feeding the monks.
Dinner can be enjoyed at the hotel or, alternatively, in one of the many restaurants in the town.
Day 2 Abingdon to North Stoke 15.6 miles
The Journey
You are soon out of Abingdon keeping to the left bank of the Thames past Culham until, after 5.4 miles, you reach the lovely village of Clifton Hampden where there is a shop and a pub, The Barley Mow.
The village of Dorchester lies to your left. Once the capital of Wessex it’s home to an impressive abbey. Worth the half-mile detour.
After Dorchester you will pass Shillingford Bridge, a perfect opportunity to stop for coffee at the hotel on the other side of the bridge; followed by Benson, where you will see plenty of boats. You might also see helicopters as RAF Benson is close by.
The historic town of Wallingford is next. The castle was an important stronghold during the wars between King Stephen and Empress Matilda. Why not stop at the museum?
From Wallingford you will temporarily leave the official Thames Path by following The Ridgeway National Trail which is on the opposite bank of the Thames and arguably a better walk.
The Destination
North Stoke is a tiny village nestling on the Thames. The Springs Resort is a golf course which also houses a number of lodges which is where you will be staying. The property was once the home of Ian Gillan and boasted a swimming pool in the shape of an electric guitar. Sadly this was lost in renovations. There is, however, a new pool as well as a spa. So bring your bathers!
Day 3 North Stoke to Reading 15.9 miles
The Journey
It’s a gentle walk down The Ridgeway to Goring and Streatley where you will be reunited with the Thames Path. From there, you briefly climb 100 feet out of the woods into the Chiltern hills and look across the “Goring Gap” to the Berkshire Downs. You will catch a glimpse of Basildon Park opposite, a Palladian style mansion that gave its name to the writing paper.
A steep descent takes you across a tollbridge into Kenneth Grahame’s Pangbourne. You are now in “Wind in the Willows” country and you will pass Hardwick and Mapledurham Houses, both of which are contenders for Toad Hall.
At Mapledurham Lock you leave the Thames briefly and walk through Purley on Thames rejoining the river at Tilehurst ready for the final 3 miles of your holiday. Admire the grand houses across the river as you walk through fields and then parkland towards Caversham Bridge. Only another half a mile and you arrive at Reading Bridge, the end of your walk.
The Destination
Reading is the first sizeable town since Oxford. In fact, it is the largest town in England. Despite its modern appearance it is of historical significance. Reading Abbey was founded in 1121 and it is believed Henry I, son of William the Conqueror, rests here. Reading is famous for its 3 B’s: biscuits, bulbs and brewing. Sadly, they have all long gone.
You will stay at Malmaison, the word’s oldest station hotel built in 1844. Aside from being handy for the train station, it’s also close to the town centre where there are plenty shops, bars and restaurants at the Oracle Centre which runs alongside the Kennet and Avon Canal. Alternatively you can take a few moments to see the Abbey ruins which marks the start of the Camino Ingles, which runs all the way to Santiago de Compostela, as well as Reading Gaol, once home to Oscar Wilde.
Prices
Prices inclusive of bed and breakfast plus baggage transfer between hotels. A map and guide book is also included. You will have unlimited access to our local team in the event of difficulties.
Price per person assuming shared occupancy: £600
Price per person assuming single occupancy: £910
Rest days can be purchased but prices vary depending on category of hotel.