Walks Around Woodley
The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the important part outdoor exercise plays in the improvement and maintenance of physical and mental well-being. The restrictions associated with ‘lockdowns’ emphasised the need for access to public greenspace, especially for those who do not have outdoor space of their own.
Woodley has many attractive open spaces and easy access to beautiful open areas in neighbouring parishes. Below you will find a number of walks within the local area, designed by volunteers from Loddon Valley Ramblers using the network of quiet footpaths around the Town and out into neighbouring areas. The walks utilise pavements and gravel paths, as well as grassy surfaces that may be muddy.
Comprehensive route notes, along with photographs and maps, are provided individually for each walk. For users of GPS equipment, tracks and waypoints in .gpx format are also provided for some walks. Each route can be downloaded, and then printed or used on a smartphone or tablet.
Woodley Walks Map
(Map showing start / end locations)
Walk 8: Woodley Precinct to Twyford Crossroads (linear)
Walk 12: Woodford Park
Walk 14: Around Woodford Park
Walk 15: Around
South Lake
Generally, the walks are ‘circular’ – they start and finish at the same place. Two are ‘linear’ walks; these start and finish at different places and you make your return to the start, or home, using public transport. In these cases details of bus routes, stops and numbers, and train alternatives, are provided for your return. You are advised to check bus and train times before you set out.
Who are the walks for?
The walks will suit the young (under supervision), the ‘not -so-young-but-young-at-heart’ and everyone in between. School-age children will love discovering the area and following the instructions as they lead their parents around the walks. Specialist equipment is not needed: a pair of trainers and a waterproof coat (this is England) or sunhat will usually suffice. Wellies or other appropriate footwear may be needed on some walks after periods of heavy rain.
Some walks, designated Wheelchair Accessible, have been specifically designed with wheelchair and mobility scooter users in mind.
Where walks are designated as ‘buggy friendly’ it is assumed that users are happy to push their buggies on gravel or dirt paths, that may be muddy and puddled, and across parkland that may be ‘soggy’. Very muddy paths have been excluded from this category.
All walks are accessible by public transport; the route notes identify the bus number and bus stop of the starting point. Appropriate car parking at, or near, the starting points is noted.
Feedback
Please report any problems with the walks to paths@lvra.org.uk and they will be directed to the appropriate authority for investigation. Comments about the walks which should be sent to the same address. The Town Clerk
may be contacted at townclerk@woodley.gov.uk
Acknowledgements
The Council wishes to thank Reading University (for allowing the use of the permissive paths on its campus) and Loddon Valley Ramblers for their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm.
Although efforts have been made to confirm the accuracy of the information provided, walks are undertaken at the walkers’ own risk.
