Pangbourne via Goring Circular Walk

16.0 km (10.0 mi), with 202m ascent/descent. For a shorter or longer walk and an Alternative Ending see below Walk Options.

2 out of 10, with 3 hours 45 minutes walking time. For the whole outing, including trains, sights and meals, allow at least 7 hours.

Starting on the West Berkshire side of the Thames, this short walk links three pretty Thames-side villages via wooded ridges with splendid views. From Pangbourne you cross the river on the delightful Whitchurch toll bridge into Oxfordshire and ascend through Whitchurch-on-Thames and then some pastures to the highest point of the walk, with first scenic views down some pretty combes. The route follows the part-wooded ridge above the Thames Valley, with occasional splendid views of the valley and the Goring Gap between the Chilterns and the Berkshire Downs, before descending through a wildflower nature reserve and then leading along the Thames Valley's bottom to Goring-on-Thames for lunch.
In the afternoon you return along the Thames Path Long Distance Trail, mainly through the river meadows, occasionally framed by wooded hills, then up through Hartslock Wood, and back down through Whitchurch and Pangbourne with its many tea options.
A finish in Goring-on-Thames, a modest extension in the morning, and a longer extension at the end of the walk along the Thames to Tilehurst station are possible.

This walk is based on a sketched walk originally developed by YHA Streatley (located across the river from Goring, beds from £15, rooms from £29 [2019]). The original leaflet with its user-friendly drawn map is still available on the webpage under a separate tab.

A Morning Extension, using parts of Book 1 Walk 4 and SWC Walk 243, adds 1.7 km/1.1 mi and 45m ascent/descent, and is rated 3/10.
You can finish the walk in Goring-on-Thames, the lunch stop. Goring & Streatley station is one stop further along the line from London. Buy a Goring & Streatley return.
An Afternoon Extension through Hartslock Nature Reserve (famous for its wildflowers, especially orchids), adds from 300m to 1.4 km and up to 100m ascent. It also – even on the very short version – leads up to some elevated viewpoints with very fine vistas along the Thames Valley.
At the end of the walk, follow the Thames Path to Tilehurst station, one stop closer to London. This stretch of the Thames has been described as so crowded with views "they might have dropped from the gold frames of the Royal Academy". Adds 5.4 km/3.4 mi and 35m ascent (4/10).
A Small Variation of this Extension leads for a bit longer along the river, giving views across the water to the magnificent Mapledurham Estate.
Bus Line 16 (frequent to Reading Station, 7 days), has a stop just after the Tilehurst route crosses the railway line in Purley-on-Thames (cuts 1.8 km).

OS Explorer: 171 (Chiltern Hills West)
OS Landranger: 174 (Newbury & Wantage) [for a tiny slice of Goring] & 175 (Reading & Windsor)

Pangbourne station, map reference SU 632 766, is 67 km west of Charing Cross, 7 km west north west of Reading, 51m above sea level and in West Berkshire. It is on the original line of the Great Western Railway to Bristol, between Reading and Didcot Parkway. Journey times are from 52 minutes on a stopping service, and from 38 minutes if changing at Reading, and a little longer on Sundays.

Saturday Walkers’ Club: Take the train closest to 10.00 hours.

The Sun Inn Hill Bottom, Whitchurch Hill, South Oxon, RG8 7PU (01189 842 260). The Sun Inn is located – 900m off-route the morning extension – 4.2 km (2.6 mi) into the extended walk.
The John Barleycorn Manor Road, Goring on Thames, Reading, Berkshire, RG8 9DP (01491 871813). The John Barleycorn is located 8.1 km (5.0 mi) into the walk. This pub is currently closed and for sale.
The Catherine Wheel Station Road, Goring on Thames, Reading, Berkshire, RG8 9HB (01491 872 379). The Catherine Wheel is located 8.2 km (5.1) mi into the walk.
The Chocolate Café 9 The Arcade, High Street, Goring on Thames, Reading, Berkshire, RG8 9AY (01491 874 264). The Chocolate Café is located 8.3 km (5.2) mi into the walk.
The Miller of Mansfield High Street, Goring on Thames, Reading, RG8 9AW (01491 872 829). The Miller is located 8.4 km (5.2 mi) into the walk.
Pierreponts Café 1 High Street, Goring on Thames, Reading, RG8 9AB (01491 874 464). Pierreponts Café is located 8.6 km (5.3 mi) into the walk.
The Swan at Streatley High Street, Streatley on Thames, Reading, Berkshire, RG8 9HR (01491 878 800). The Swan is located 400m off-route, on the other side of the Thames, 9.0 km/5.6 mi into the walk. A Coppa Club venue.

Plenty of options in Whitchurch-on-Thames and Pangbourne. Check page 2 of the pdf for details.

After the walk, please leave a comment, it really helps. Thanks!

You can also upload photos to the SWC Group on Flickr (upload your photos) and videos to Youtube. This walk's tags are:

National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 • Traveline (bus times): 0871 200 22 33 (12p/min) • TFL (London) : 0343 222 1234

Sep-24 Thomas G