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Kennet & Avon Cycle Route 3

Route facts

Distance: 26.72 miles / 43 km

Difficulty: Moderate

Starts at: Marsh Benham near Newbury

Ends at: Reading

Enjoy canalside cycling through the Berkshire countryside.The final stage of the Kennet & Avon Cycle Route runs along the canal on a specially upgraded, traffic-free path from Newbury to Reading.

The Kennet & Avon Cycle Route is Britain's most popular long-distance waterside cycle route. This third and final section will take you from Marsh Benham, near bustling Newbury, along the canal and River Kennet to the commercial centre of Reading.Cycling is permitted throughout the length of the canal, except for a few short sections near Reading. However, the canal is also very popular with walkers, anglers and boaters. At busy times, this can result in inconvenience.In order to try and ensure that all users are able to enjoy using the canal, several sections of the towpath - including the whole length from Marsh Benham to Reading - have been improved as part of a partnership scheme between British Waterways, cycling organisation Sustrans, and local councils. The result is a wider path with a surface that is more suitable for cyclists and disabled users.Cyclists are therefore recommended to follow the signposts for National Cycle Network Route 4.

Getting there

Public transport: The Cycle Route is easily reached from London by rail. From Kintbury to Reading, the Kennet Valley railway line runs alongside the canal with a station on average every four miles.

Waypoints

1. Marsh Benham to Newbury

The cycle route rejoins the towpath at Marsh Benham. After passing under a cavernous new bridge under the A34 Newbury bypass, it enters the suburbs of the town.

Easting: 400475, Northing: 161785

2. Newbury

The route follows Northcroft Lane, north of the canal, from Northcroft Footbridge to Town Bridge in the centre of Newbury. It then rejoins the canal towpath until Hambridge Road Bridge. Follow the Route 4 signs from here - the canal towpath on this section is narrow and uneven in places.

Easting: 449023, Northing: 167128

3. Thatcham

Continue to follow the Route 4 signs along traffic-calmed roads and purpose-built cycle paths. The route rejoins the canal by Thatcham station.

Easting: 452746, Northing: 166928

4. Thatcham to Sulhamstead

The towpath swaps sides regularly along this section. Between Wickham Knight Footbridge and Froudes Bridge, near Woolhampton (after Midgham station), the towpath is in private ownership and cycling is not permitted. Please dismount and walk along this short section of approximately 600 metres. From Ufton Bridge to Sulhamstead Lock, take extra care - the towpath has an uneven grassed surface, across open fields in places.

Easting: 462766, Northing: 169353

5. Sulhamstead to Reading

Continue along the towpath. Immediately after the M4 bridge, a short diversion is required, as the towpath on the north bank is not suitable for cycling. Follow the signed Route 4 along a quiet road away from the canal to the south, rejoining at Swan's Bridge, Burghfield.

Easting: 468114, Northing: 170769

6. Reading

As you approach Reading, the official signed Route 4 leaves the canal at Rose Kiln Lane Bridge, on the south-eastern side just after the A33 main road crossing. However, you may follow the alternative cycle route along the towpath. Take care past the Oracle Shopping Centre, where the path is likely to be extremely busy, especially at weekends. The Kennet & Avon Cycle Route ends at the junction with the River Thames, from where you can continue along Route 4 to London, or head north on Route 5 to Oxford.

Easting: 473079, Northing: 173859