Berkshire is packed with beautiful walking routes, from gentle riverside strolls along the Thames to challenging trails through ancient woodland. Whether you are after a quick Sunday morning loop or a full day out, these 10 walks are the best the county has to offer in 2026. Pull on your boots and get exploring.

1. Thames Path: Reading to Sonning

This flat, easy walk follows the Thames from Caversham Bridge through to the pretty village of Sonning. The path passes through open meadows, past houseboats, and alongside the river for the entire route. At Sonning you can reward yourself at The Bull Inn before walking back or catching a bus. One of the most accessible and enjoyable walks near Reading.

Distance: 3.5 miles (one way) | Difficulty: Easy | Start point: Caversham Bridge, Reading RG1 8BD

2. Ridgeway National Trail: Streatley to Goring

The Ridgeway is Britain's oldest road, and the section near Streatley offers dramatic chalk downland views over the Goring Gap. The climb up from Streatley Hill is steep but short, and once you are on top the panoramic views across the Thames Valley are spectacular. A circular route looping through both villages makes a perfect half-day outing.

Distance: 5 miles (circular) | Difficulty: Moderate | Start point: Streatley Village Hall, High Street, Streatley RG8 9JA

3. Windsor Great Park

The Long Walk stretching from Windsor Castle to the Copper Horse statue is iconic, but the wider park offers miles of woodland trails through ancient oaks and along Virginia Water lake. The Savill Garden section is particularly beautiful in spring. You can easily spend a whole day exploring the park without covering the same ground twice.

Distance: Variable (2-10 miles) | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Start point: Savill Garden car park, Wick Lane, Englefield Green TW20 0UU

4. Dinton Pastures Country Park

A family-friendly circular walk around the lakes at Dinton Pastures between Woodley and Hurst. The paths are flat and well-maintained, making it suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs on the main route. Birdwatchers will love the hides overlooking the lakes. The cafe at the activity centre is a good halfway stop.

Distance: 3 miles (circular) | Difficulty: Easy | Start point: Dinton Pastures Country Park, Davis Street, Hurst RG10 0TH

5. Bucklebury Common and the River Pang

A lovely loop through mixed woodland and across open heathland at Bucklebury, following the quiet River Pang for part of the route. The common is one of the largest areas of heathland in Berkshire and feels properly wild. Kate Middleton grew up in Bucklebury, though the walk's appeal is entirely in the landscape rather than any celebrity connection.

Distance: 4.5 miles (circular) | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Start point: Bucklebury Common car park, Chapel Row RG7 6PU

6. Greenham Common

Once a Cold War airbase, Greenham Common near Newbury is now a nature reserve with miles of open walking across heathland. The flat terrain and wide paths make it easy going, and there is something fascinating about walking across the old runway and control tower area. Wildlife has reclaimed the site beautifully, with Dartford warblers and woodlarks nesting here.

Distance: 4 miles (circular) | Difficulty: Easy | Start point: Greenham Common car park, Burys Bank Road, Newbury RG19 8DB

7. Hamstead Marshall and the Kennet Valley

A quiet circular walk through the Kennet Valley south of Newbury, passing through the grounds of the ruined Hamstead Marshall estate. The route follows the Kennet and Avon Canal for a stretch before cutting through farmland and woodland. It is peaceful, flat, and rarely busy, making it a great choice for a midweek escape.

Distance: 5.5 miles (circular) | Difficulty: Easy | Start point: Hamstead Marshall, Newbury RG20 0HT

8. Swinley Forest

A large Crown Estate forest between Bracknell and Crowthorne with well-marked trails through pine and birch woodland. The terrain is gently undulating and the paths are well drained, so it is a good wet-weather option. Mountain bikers share the trails so stay alert, but there is plenty of space for everyone. The Look Out Discovery Centre nearby has a cafe and play area.

Distance: 3-6 miles (various loops) | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Start point: The Look Out, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell RG12 7QW

9. Pangbourne to Whitchurch-on-Thames

A short but scenic walk crossing the toll bridge between Pangbourne and Whitchurch, then following the Thames Path south before looping back through Pangbourne Meadow. The views of the river and the Chilterns beyond are lovely. Pangbourne has several pubs and cafes for refuelling afterwards. Kenneth Grahame was inspired to write The Wind in the Willows here.

Distance: 3 miles (circular) | Difficulty: Easy | Start point: Pangbourne Railway Station, Reading RG8 7AN

10. Walbury Hill and Combe Gibbet

The highest point in Berkshire at 297 metres, Walbury Hill offers incredible views across the North Wessex Downs. The walk up from Inkpen passes the eerie Combe Gibbet, a replica of a 17th-century hanging post on the hilltop. It is a more challenging walk with some steep sections, but the sense of space and history at the top is worth every step.

Distance: 5 miles (circular) | Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging | Start point: Inkpen village car park, Upper Green, Inkpen RG17 9QE

After your walk, you might fancy a stop at one of the best pubs in Reading or a hearty meal at the best breakfast spots in Reading.

FAQ

What is the best walk in Berkshire for beginners?

Dinton Pastures Country Park is the easiest option, with flat, well-maintained paths suitable for all abilities including pushchairs and wheelchairs. The Thames Path from Reading to Sonning is another great beginner-friendly choice.

Are dogs allowed on these walks?

Dogs are welcome on all 10 routes, though some areas may require leads during bird nesting season (March to July), particularly at Greenham Common and Dinton Pastures. Windsor Great Park has specific areas where dogs must be on leads.

Where can I park for these walks?

All walks listed have either free or low-cost parking nearby. Windsor Great Park and Dinton Pastures charge for parking. The others have free roadside or village car parks at the start points listed.