NEARLY 50 guided walks will be on offer as the Reading Walks festival prepares for its return this spring.
Taking place over 10 days in May, the event is organised by REDA, Reading’s Economy and Destination Agency, and follows on from last year’s inaugural event.
Each walk is led by volunteers and aims to unpack some of the hidden history of the town, and celebrate its landscapes and surrounding countryside.
There are some short strolls lasting around an hour to, for the seriously committed, a two-day pilgrimage.
There are walks tracing the early life of poet Wilfred Owen and the Reading Jane Austen knew, an appreciation of Reading architecture, a dawn walk to enjoy birdsong, family active walks, sensory walks and dipping into the history of our local brewing industry.
There are also walks along the Thames and Kennet, explorations of our parks and gardens, walks around the University’s campuses and walks out into the countryside accessed from local railway stations.
Fifteen of the walks are wheelchair accessible, and 15 are family-friendly. Half of the walks cost £3, and are free for accompanied children, while five are completely free.
All of them have start and finish points close to public transport routes, be they bus or train. This was successful last year, and saw more than two-thirds of participants leave the car at home.
Alex Brannen, the festival’s organiser, said: “The Reading Walks Festival aims to introduce people to our urban heritage and culture as well as showcase the diversity of the local wildlife and natural landscapes.
“All our walks are different.
“Some will be more talking than walking to help you learn more about a subject; some will be social occasions – just walking and chatting – and others will be more about just enjoying the walk for its own sake.
“You don’t need to be a keen walker to take part. Our guided walks range in length from an hour’s gentle walk to 40km (25 miles) along the St James’ Way.”
All walks must be booked in advance.
The full programme and detailed information about each walk, along with booking instructions, can be found at: readingwalksfestival.org
