Golden crop fields leading to a Berkshire village with church spire, trees, and rolling Chiltern Hills in the background.

Berkshire – River Meadows, Chalk Downs, and Wooded Hills

Broad floodplains, rolling downland, and wooded countryside between the Thames Valley and the North Wessex Downs

Berkshire is a county of river meadows, chalk downland, mixed woodland, and farmland in South East England. Walking routes follow the Thames Path and cross the North Wessex Downs National Landscape and the Ridgeway, linking places such as Windsor, Reading, Newbury, Hungerford, and Lambourn along riverside towpaths, ridge tracks, and open countryside.

Much of the terrain is firm and gently rolling underfoot. Field paths, bridleways, woodland trails, and canal towpaths allow steady progress with mostly moderate gradients, while steeper climbs occur along the chalk downs in the west of the county.

The landscape shifts between areas. The Thames Valley provides flat floodplain and parkland around Windsor and Reading, the centre becomes low farmland and woodland, and the western edge rises into chalk hills and open downland within the North Wessex Downs.

Towns and villages are frequent along the river and main roads, creating regular access points for shorter walks and longer point-to-point routes across connected countryside.

Trails and Routes Through Berkshire

Thames Path

A National Trail following the River Thames between Cricklade and the Thames Barrier, passing through Windsor, Maidenhead, and Reading on towpaths and riverside paths.

The Ridgeway

A National Trail crossing the chalk downs between Avebury and Ivinghoe Beacon, passing through western Berkshire on open ridge tracks.

Lambourn Valley Way

A rural riverside route following the River Lambourn between Lambourn and Newbury on field paths and quiet lanes.

Kennet and Avon Canal Towpath

A level traffic-free route following the canal between Reading and Hungerford through meadow and woodland.

Three Castles Path (Berkshire sections)

A long-distance route linking Windsor with Winchester through parkland and farmland.

Walking Character

• Riverside meadows and floodplain paths
• Chalk downs and open ridge tracks
• Woodland and farmland trails
• Canal and river towpaths
• Historic towns and villages
• Gentle gradients and rolling terrain
• Rural and inland

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Berkshire located?

Berkshire is in South East England between Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Surrey, and Greater London, centred on the Thames Valley.

What defines walking here?

Flat riverside routes, rolling chalk downs, woodland paths, and canal towpaths with generally moderate terrain.

Are there long-distance routes here?

Yes. The Thames Path and Ridgeway National Trails cross the county, alongside several riverside and regional routes.

Is the terrain steep?

Most of the county is gently rolling, with steeper climbs limited to the chalk downs in the west.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring through autumn offers firmer ground and longer daylight, while winter conditions can be muddy on fields and riverside paths.