Escape to Adventure
One of our best kept secrets is that Reading is a launchpad for some of the UK’s most scenic multi-day cycling adventures. Even though these routes are NOT signposted in Reading, or any services for travelling cyclists advertised, many keen riders success-fully navigate their way through our somewhat challenging roads.
I often cycle along the path adjacent to the A33 south of the M4 and chat to cyclists on the King Alfred Way (see below). They are always relieved to have cycled through Reading and escaped! Wouldn’t it be nice if we could make them feel more welcome? 😊
For us though, living in Reading, it’s easy to access these cycle routes and enjoy exploring them from home.
🌿 Royal Chilterns Way: A New Epic Begins in Reading
Unveiled by Cycling UK earlier this year, the Royal Chilterns Way is a 282km off-road bikepacking challenge which begins right in Reading. Riders traverse the Chiltern Hills, climbing a total of 3,383m (11,100ft) across scenic trails, historic landmarks and charming villages. It’s a flexible route with two loops and good rail links, designed for cyclists seeking both challenge and charm. Visit: https://www.cyclinguk.org/routes/long-distance/royal-chilterns-way
🏰 King Alfred’s Way: Ancient Wessex on Two Wheels
This 350km circular route, also from Cycling UK, connects Reading to the ancient landscapes of Wessex. Riders pass through World Heritage sites like Stonehenge, Avebury, the Ridgeway and historic towns such as Winchester and Salisbury. It’s a journey through time, blending some very technical off-road trails with quiet lanes. There is also the option to by-pass the more technical sections. Visit: https://www.cyclinguk.org/routes/long-distance/king-alfreds-way
🛡️ Lady Æthelflaed’s Way: Ride Through History
Lady Æthelflaed’s Way, mapped out by an enthusiastic bike packer, is a 400km circular cycle route that winds through the historic heartlands of southern England, including Reading. It’s named after Æthelflaed, Lady of the Mercians and daughter of King Alfred, and celebrates her legacy by tracing landscapes she once ruled. Visit: https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk/route-details/3224
You can also combine cycling with our spiritual heritage:
✝️ St James’ Way – English Camino by Bike
Cycle from St James’ Church in Reading to Southampton, retracing the medieval pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela. This 110km journey passes historic churches and countryside, ending at the port where pilgrims once sailed to Spain. It’s part of the official Camino Ingles, is suitable for cycling and walking, and you can collect your Pilgrim Passport at Reading Museum. Need more inspiration? Read Mark Lyford’s account of his cycle ride: https://readingcyclecampaign.org.uk/cycle-routes-the-st-james-way
🤴 King Athelstan 1100 Pilgrim Way
This is a symbolic 220km route from Malmesbury Abbey to Kingston upon Thames, via Reading. The route was launched in 2024 to mark 1100 years since King Athelstan’s coronation in Kingston. King Athelstan, the first king of a united England, chose Malmesbury as his capital and is buried there. The route links Anglo-Saxon churches and scenic paths, including the Thames Path, and is suitable for both walking and cycling. Visit: https://athelstanpilgrimway.org/
🏞️ National Cycle Network: Routes 4, 5, 23 & 422
Reading is criss-crossed by several National Cycle Network routes:
- Route 4: Part of the Thames Valley route, linking London to Wales.
- Route 5: Connecting Reading northward towards Oxford and south to Southampton.
- Route 23: A lovely scenic route towards Basingstoke and beyond.
- Route 422: A newer addition linking Reading to Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.
These routes offer flexible options for multi-day touring, with quiet paths and connections to regional highlights.
And let’s not forget our jewel –
🛶 The Kennet & Avon Canal: Ride from Reading to Bath
This is a scenic, mostly traffic-free and flattish adventure which stretches westward through Berkshire, Wiltshire and Somerset. The route is around 160km to Bath, following a mix of towpaths, (generally) quiet lanes and canal-side tracks. It’s ideal for leisure cyclists, families, and bike packers seeking a gentle multi-day adventure. Plus, with tired legs you can easily catch the train back to Reading!
🏛️National Trust properties – Perfect for a Day Out!
If you had attended our AGM, you would have found out how the National Trust is working to make visits to their properties more cycle friendly. You could include some of these on multi-day rides, or if you’d just like a day out, nearby National Trust sites like Basildon Park, Greys Court, and Cliveden are reachable via quiet lanes and National Cycle Network routes. Visit: https://readingcyclecampaign.org.uk/the-national-trust-wants-us/
Finally, to help you navigate, in addition to paper maps and Cycling UK published guidebooks:
- Cycling UK: Offers downloadable GPX files, route descriptions, and gear checklists for long-distance trails like King Alfred’s Way and the Royal Chilterns Way.
- Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (was Sustrans): Provides interactive maps and updates for National Cycle Network routes, including 4, 5, 23, and 422.
- Komoot and RideWithGPS: Popular apps for route planning, elevation profiles and user reviews.
Both Travelodge and Premier Inn allow you to keep your bike in your room – so this helps with a relaxed night’s sleep (and handy if you need to clean your chain or fix a puncture)!
Let us know if you’ve explored any of these routes (or others) and please share your hints, tips and photos. 😊
Why Touring Cyclists Should Be Part of Reading’s Future
Reading is more than a commuter town, it’s a crossroads. Nestled between national cycle routes, riverside trails, the Ridgeway and historic market towns, it’s perfectly placed to welcome a growing number of multi-day touring cyclists. But are we ready?
The Opportunity:
Touring cyclists are the unsung heroes of sustainable tourism. They travel light and spend locally. And they keep coming. 😊
Reading, with our mix of heritage, hospitality and strategic location, should be a must-stop destination, not just somewhere to pass through.
Why It Matters:
- Local Economy Boost: Cyclists spend money! They value safe cycling infrastructure, proximity to cafes, pubs and restaurants, access to bike shops/repair, plus accommodation (with their bikes).
- Sustainability in Action: Every touring cyclist is one less car on the road. Reading can accommodate many more bikes than cars. Plus, supporting cycling aligns with Reading’s climate goals and active travel strategy.
- Geographic Goldmine: Reading sits on NCN Route 4, the Thames Path and the Kennet & Avon Canal, which are natural arteries for long-distance riders. We also have excellent rail links and a number of well publicised and popular multi-day routes pass through Reading.
What We Can Do:
- Improve signage for long-distance routes.
- Promote cycle-friendly accommodation and services.
- Install secure bike parking near key amenities.
- Create a dedicated online portal for cycle tourism.
- Engage with national and European cycling networks.
Let’s Roll Out the Welcome Mat
Reading has the potential to be a beacon for cycle tourism in the Thames Valley. With some investment and coordination, we could be a place where cyclists want to stay and visit again, not just pass through as quickly as they can.
Susan Children
RCC Publicity Coordinator