King Alfred's Way: Didcot, Eastern Ridgeway, Goring, Thames Valley, Reading


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On this sunny autumn Sunday, I took the train from Reading to Didcot Parkway and cycled back. Here's a map. 

I used NCN544 from Didcot, a well surfaced disused railway path to Upton, then climbed to join the Ridgeway on bridleways via Chilton (7 miles). Then I followed the route of the KAW, ie the Ridgeway to Streatley/Goring, then the Thames Valley route to Reading (21 miles). Here's the story in photos.

No bike reservation needed on slow trains from Reading to Didcot Parkway 

Didcot Parkway station

NCN544 out of Didcot

My route to the Ridgeway in purple

Well surfaced disused railway

Bridleway after Chilton follows a quiet lane....

... last bit up to the Ridgeway is rough track
The RAL/Harwell science park in the distance



There are great views from the Ridgeway

The Ridgeway is generally a good path, but rough in places

Subway under A34

More Ridgeway

Some puddles and muddy patches easily avoided (but will get worse as autumn/winter sets in)



Thames in Goring

Nice cafe in Goring

Pill box beside the Thames

The path between Goring and Whitchurch is surprisingly tough, with several ups and downs

Very steep bit requiring steps

Unusual horse

The River Thames is glimpsed only occasionally

Church at Mapledurham

Mapledurham Village

The Thames Valley route passes through nice parkland

Pedestrian Cycle Bridge over Thames in Reading




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