Theale Lakes and Canal Walk

This walk explores the lakes, canal and river surrounding the West Berkshire village of Theale.
The village is located just to the west of Reading and includes pleasant footpaths along the River Kennet and the Kennet and Avon Canal.
This walk from Theale Railway station takes you east along the canal towards Burghfield. You'll pass pretty locks, lakes formed from former gravel pits and a weir on the River Kennet.... There's also an optional detour to visit Hosehill Lake Local Nature Reserve where there is a one mile circular walk around the lake. The reserve is a great place for wildlife watching with wildfowl on the water and a butterfly meadow to enjoy.
To continue your walking in the area you could head south to visit Burghfield and Wokefield Common where there's a network of good footpaths to try.
Please scroll down for the full list of walks near and around Theale. The detailed maps below also show a range of footpaths, bridleways and cycle paths in the area.
Postcode: RG7 4AQ
Pubs and More Info
The Falcon is a a good choice for some post walk refreshments. The historic pub dates back to the 1600s and has a good selection of ales. There's also a nice garden area to relax in on warmer days. You can find them at postcode RG7 5AH for your sat navs. The pub is also dog friendly.
The St James' Way passes through the area. The long distance pilgrimage route runs from the historic ruins of Reading Abbey to the coast at Southampton.

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Nearby Routes

Kennet and Avon Canal Walk Reading Canal Walk Reading Circular River Walk Burghfield Wokefield Common Reading to Henley Tadley Pamber Forest Silchester Aldermaston Wellington Country Park Caversham Court Gardens Bucklebury Common Spencers Wood Wilder's Folly Walk St James' Way Southcote Holy Brook and River Kennet Walk

Photos

The Falcon, Theale. One of several pubs in Theale on what used to be the A4, the main road to Bath. A grade II listed building, 17th century with early 18th century refacing.

Holy Trinity Church in Theale

Former gravel pit, Burghfield

Looking south from Garston Lock. View toward Sheffield Bottom

Sheffield Lock, Kennet and Avon Canal.

Garston Lock, Kennet and Avon Canal, Theale. The lock is viewed here from the downstream side. The vertical drop achieved is 7 feet 7 inches. One of the two pill boxes located near the lock can be seen on the left of the picture.

Boats racing to Buoy 1 at Burghfield Sailing Club. This photo was taken from the clubhouse (SU652704) as the boats head in a north-westerly direction to go round Buoy No.1 which is located at SU653703. This picture shows the more human aspect of the geography of this square.

Twitchers' platform, Horsehill Lake, Sheffield Bottom. The platform has been provided with a screen aimed at hiding birdwatchers from the birds.

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