Tickets for the 2026 Reading Walks Festival have gone on sale.
The fourth year of the popular event takes place between May 9 and 17, with a diverse programme of walks from experiencing the natural wonder of the dawn chorus to a sociable evening saunter.
This year’s festival features 43 guided walks all led by local experts.
They will explore Reading’s history and natural heritage, with over a quarter celebrating Reading’s great waterways to tie in with the 30th anniversary of the Thames Path National Trail.
Most walks are new for this year, with subjects covered varying from an exploration of Reading’s spiritual heritage to public art at the University, a drag-led ghost walk and a costumed Tudor tour.
From Goring to the west, Henley to the east, south to Silchester and north into the Chilterns, as well as in and around Reading town centre, the programme encompasses the full greater Reading geographical area.
The festival’s focus, as in previous years, is on learning something new about Reading while walking, but there are also walks that are just social affairs or designed for healthy exercise. Walks range from a 1km guided tour to a 31km trek over two days on a pilgrimage route.
Most of the walks cost just £3, with a number suitable for wheelchairs and families. The walks are designed to link into Reading’s transport system, starting at Reading bus stops or railway stations.
Alex Brannen of REDA, who organises Reading Walks Festival, said: “This year’s programme is the most diverse and exciting yet with walks exploring Reading’s green spaces, the town’s fascinating history, art and architecture and the countryside in every direction.
“The theme for this year’s festival is our waterways.
“A quarter of the walks take their cue from the Thames, Kennet, Kennet & Avon and even the Holybrook, which flows through Reading. What better way to learn more about our town than exploring on foot, with a great guide and in good company?
“We look forward to walking with you”.
In previous years, many walks have booked up quickly, so people are advised to book quickly to avoid disappointment.
Highlights from the 2026 programme include:
Dawn Chorus on Fobney Marsh: A circular, leisurely walk to enjoy the wonders of the dawn chorus at 4am on Saturday, 9 May.
Reading to Henley – the Fields and Woods Way: A 16km linear walk through parks, woods, fields and lanes starting at 10.30am on Saturday, 9 May.
Ghosts of Reading Past: A spooky one-hour walk led by drag performers bringing the dead back to life at 4pm on Friday, 15 May.
St James’ Way Camino Pilgrimage: A two-day walk offering a taster of the world-famous pilgrimage route starting at 8.30am on Friday, 15 May and Saturday, 16 May.
The Architecture of Alfred Waterhouse & Victorian Reading: A circular guided tour viewing the work of the notable Victorian architect, starting at 10am on Saturday, 16 May.
For more details, or to download the full programme, log on to: readingwalksfestival.org
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