Thames Path - Reading to Goring (★★★☆☆)

On my third of five days walking the Thames Path, today I am walking from Reading to Goring - which is set to be the shortest day of walking of the five days. This should give a bit of a rest after two longer previous days, and it is a good day for a shorter day as it is a fairly wet one (this was actually a sign of good planning). On the previous day I had walked from Maidenhead to Reading along the Thames.

Heading out from Reading the route is along a tarmac shared cycle/walking path, and whilst normally this wouldn't be my preference, it is wet underfoot today and so maybe this is for the best.

Caversham Bridge on the way out of Reading

This initial section out of town heads along past open fields to the left, and then the river tucks in to meet up with the route of the railway line - where you come across another set of boats that look to be stationary dwellings all moored up.

Following this tuck in there is only a short stretch before it is then time to head over a tall bridge, which takes you up into Tilehurst - and from there the Thames Path continues on through the suburbs, until you head off down a track towards Mapledurham Lock.

You cannot see it from the path, but here you will also find Mapledurham House, which is one of the many houses that claim to be the inspiration for Toad Hall from Wind in the Willows.

Mapledurham Lock

It is definitely a wet one today, but here at least the benches sit tucked slightly into the hedges, and so I decide that this is the best spot to break out the food to get myself fueled up for the day.

Heading on, the path continues on through fields - but there is a bit of shape to the scenery along this stretch, and as you bend on a wide arc towards Pangbourne, the scenery reaches the high point of the day so far.

View out as I head along toward Pangbourne

On the run up into Pangbourne the going is pleasant enough (if not spectacular) and I encounter one of the many herons that live along this river (with this one being good enough to stay and have it's photo taken).

A heron

From here, the path meets up with the road and heads over Whitchurch Bridge - which is a toll bridge for those with four wheels, but us pedestrians may be cross for no fee at all.

First half of the crossing

Second half of the crossing

The route then cuts up through Whitchurch - going round via the church - which becomes my second halt point of the day, with this being one of the many pretty little old churches you find all the way along the river.

Next, I follow the road out of town, and this then climbs up a hill that ascends more steeply the further up I get, before I turn left down a pretty little lane.

I'm now quite a long way from the river, and currently making my way around Coombe Park - but with that estate now cleared, the path begins to drop down to resume it's former position along the river side.

This begins a wooded section along the Thames that continues on until the river starts to bend round and head west.

Heading through the trees

Released from this wooded section, the path starts to take a slightly muddy (at least today) route across fields, heading under the railway and then turning up to head north towards Goring.

Whilst I had planned to head up to the bridge and then cut in, instead there is diversion that takes me into the south side of Goring - and so with Goring being the end of my walk for the day, I head to the station and enjoy an early halt to the day.

Enjoyment Rating : ⭐⭐⭐ ★ ★ / 5

Disclaimer: This writeup provides a narrative of what to expect rather than a route guide to follow. The route is covered by the 175 OS Landranger map - while there is also a Thames Path guidebook which includes OS mapping (links redirect to Amazon). The route is in general well way-marked.