The River Kennet and canal in Reading

The path sees you through some of the most fascinating parts of Reading, like Blake's Lock and Museum and past the literary famous Reading Gaol. It follows public rights of way and is marked along the towpath with the yellow arrow posts.

1. Starting at Kennet Mouth, follow the canal all the way part Blake's Lock and Lock Museum and along Chestnut Walk and the Abbey Ruins which passes the walls of Reading Gaol, immortalised in a Ballad by its most famous inmate, Oscar Wilde.

2. This will lead you past High Bridge in the centre of town. Follow the signposted towpath route past the Oracle Centre and County Lock.

3. You then come to the edge of town past the decorative brickwork of the houses at the rear of River Road. This brings you into Waterloo Meadows and then the open countryside. From here continue past the new waterworks at Fobney and Southcote Locks.

4. Continue a little while longer and you will reach Burghfield, and the end of your journey ... for now.

Getting there

Parking: Car parks can be found throughout Reading Centre. The 'Cunning Man' public house in Burghfield has a car park for those wishing to use the pub before or after the walk.

Public transport: Reading has excellent rail links to London and the West. By car the M4 brings you into Reading, from Junctions 10-12.