What to do around Reading?

[Pulse]

My other half has an exam in the centre tomorrow, so I'm dropping her off there and want somewhere to go for a walk for a couple of hours, but not too far out (maybe 5 miles or so). Any ideas? Don't want to spend any money if possible.

I've seen Mapledurham, but not sure if that is somewhere you can walk around, or not...?

[Skaffen]

This isn't anything notable, but I found a pleasant enough circular walk a few weeks back (and is free):

http://www.bbowt.org.uk/content.asp?did=23532

Might be a bit short for a couple of hours, mind you

There's also the kennet and avon - this walk starts in Reading (and of course don't have to do all of it), but no idea what it's like as I've not done it:
http://www.waterscape.com/things-to-do/walking/rou...

[Pulse]

Thanks for that! First one looks a bit too far out though unfortunately I think. The second one looks ace, but trying to avoid paying for parking if I can!

[Pulse]

Oh, I should ask... What's the nearest place to the train station for me to stop somewhere? In the event it's tipping it down, I'll have my laptop for watching a film instead. Any ideas?

[Skaffen]

The Queen's road car park is 3 quid for 2 hours and is right near the start of the canal walk (it's next to the canal) - if you really do want free, and don't find a better place for a walk, then the Forbury retail park isn't too far from that start point (postcode RG1 3JD) - it has a Comet, McDonalds, Hobbycraft and a few other stores there and has the usual retail park 2 hours free parking thing (no idea how hot they are on enforcing that).

[Pulse]

That looks just the ticket! Brilliant, thanks!

[Puggit]

Skaffen said:

The Queen's road car park is 3 quid for 2 hours and is right near the start of the canal walk (it's next to the canal) - if you really do want free, and don't find a better place for a walk, then the Forbury retail park isn't too far from that start point (postcode RG1 3JD) - it has a Comet, McDonalds, Hobbycraft and a few other stores there and has the usual retail park 2 hours free parking thing (no idea how hot they are on enforcing that).

There is often a van there - parked in the corner

Why not park up at Thames Valley Park and walk along the river to Sonning if the weather isn't too bad. Excellent 3G coverage there too.

Tesco on Napier Road could be ok - not sure if they monitor parking there yet?

[SunsetZed]

Think its actually a 3hr parking limit at Forbury Retail Park where the Argos / Hobbycraft stores are...