Reading Walks is back! How to get £3 tickets and join guided walks

The fourth Reading Walks Festival is scheduled to begin later this month, offering a nine-day programme of walks around Reading (the clue is in the name, to be fair).  

Organised by REDA, the festival comprises more than 40 walks designed to showcase Reading’s history, heritage, and natural landscapes.

The programme includes a variety of themes led by local experts, ranging from one-hour strolls to more elaborate excursions.

This year, the town waterways are a primary focus, with several tours exploring the Thames alongside guides from the Thames Path National Trail. Other walks cover topics such as the spiritual heritage of Reading, Victorian architecture, and the history of University RAG parades.

Alex Brannen of REDA and Reading Walks Festival organiser, said: “This year’s festival is the most diverse and exciting yet. 

“Our waterways are front and centre in the programme, with a number of walks exploring the Thames in the company of the Thames Path National Trail guides.

“There are still tickets available for some of the walks so book quickly to find out more about our town in the company of great local guides.”

Tickets remain available for 16 of the scheduled walks. Waiting lists are in operation for the other walks. Those still avaialble include:

• Reading’s Spiritual Heritage – Sun 17 May
• A Celebration of University RAG Parades – Sat 9 May and Sun 17 May
• Reading Town Centre Heritage Trail – Sat 16 May
• Tech Town – Fri 15 May
• Lock n Roll to View Island – Thurs 14 May
• Leafy Victorian Splendour, Redlands Trees – Thurs 14 May
• Lock to Lock – Wed 13 May
• Memory Lane: Voices of Whitley – Wed 13 May
• Thames & Kennet Walk – Sat 9 May

Most sessions cost £3, and the organisers have ensured several routes are suitable for families and wheelchair users, and to encourage sustainable travel, all walks are designed to start near bus stops or railway stations.