4.4
(1035)
8,737
hikers
626
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Burghfield offer diverse and accessible natural landscapes. The area features gentle terrain, with routes winding through woodlands, around tranquil lakes, and alongside serene waterways. Prominent features include waterside paths along the Kennet and Avon Canal and trails following the River Kennet. This makes Burghfield suitable for various fitness levels seeking easy outdoor activities.
Last updated: October 17, 2026
3.0
(1)
7
hikers
5.43km
01:22
10m
10m
This easy 3.4-mile (5.4 km) loop trail near Reading offers a peaceful escape with minimal effort. You will hike through diverse scenery, including wetland habitats, parkland, and pleasant sections along the River Kennet and the Kennet & Avon Canal. The route features a mix of gravel, asphalt, and natural surfaces, with paths that are easily accessible for all skill levels. With only 22 feet (7 metres) of elevation gain, this hike typically takes about 1 hour and 22 minutes to complete, making it a perfect choice for a relaxed outing. Enjoy views of meadows and trees as you pass Fobney Island Nature Reserve and Longwater Lake within Green Park.
This route is considered an easy hike, making it suitable for all fitness levels and skill sets. The paths are generally well-maintained, though some sections might be wet, especially during winter months. Its accessibility and gentle terrain mean you can enjoy this natural setting without needing extensive preparation. The trail's proximity to Reading town center makes it a convenient option for a quick nature break.
Fobney Island Nature Reserve is a highlight of this trail, known as an oasis of calm and home to over 100 species of birds. Keep an eye out for herons, little egrets, and various duck species, with rarer sightings like the great white egret possible in winter. You might also spot kingfishers, barn owls, and mandarin ducks along the way. The route also features a weir and a covered fish ladder on the canal, adding to the points of interest.
3.5
(2)
12
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.2
(6)
25
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(8)
27
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
21
hikers
7.16km
01:53
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Sunny spot, wide bridge. Has a chest-heighted metal fence, should be safe.
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Beautiful place to enjoy
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This bridge is operated by hand, i.e. muscle power
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Lovely pub right on the river with loads of easy open space to sit with your bikes
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Longwater Lake is the focal point of Green Park, a business park and residential area. A walk around its calm, flat waters are a good tonic to a stressful day.
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With its waterside location, The Cunning Man is the ideal destination for a walk along the Kennet & Avon Canal. Plus, despite being so close to Reading, it has the air of a country pub. It takes its name from the story of a local man who was considered a wizard.
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At 87 miles in length, the Kennet & Avon Canal links Bristol to Reading. It is in part navigable canal and part Rivers; the Avon between Bristol and Bath, The Kennet at Newbury and the Thames in Reading. It's a peaceful place for a walk, just a short distance from Reading Town Centre.
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Built in the early 18th century, Southcote Lock is situated on a cutting that circumnavigated the wiggling River Kennet. The mill was used to draw iron wire. It is believed the iron ore came from the New Forest.
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Burghfield offers a good selection of easy hiking trails, with over 10 routes specifically categorized as easy. In total, there are more than 20 hiking routes in the area, catering to various preferences.
Easy hikes in Burghfield feature gentle terrain, winding through picturesque woodlands, around tranquil lakes, and alongside serene waterways. You'll find many waterside paths, particularly along the Kennet and Avon Canal and the River Kennet.
Yes, Burghfield is excellent for family-friendly walks due to its gentle terrain and scenic paths. Routes like the Kennet and Avon Canal โ Hosehill Lake loop are ideal, combining waterside sections with a circuit around Hosehill Lake, offering an enjoyable experience for all ages.
Many of the easy hiking trails in Burghfield are dog-friendly, especially those along the Kennet and Avon Canal and through woodlands. It's always a good idea to keep dogs on a lead, particularly near nature reserves or livestock, and to check local signage for specific restrictions.
Easy hikes in Burghfield typically range from 2 to 7 kilometers (1.2 to 4.3 miles) in length. For example, the Hosehill Lake Nature Reserve loop is about 2 kilometers and takes less than an hour, while the Dirt Path Through Fields loop is around 7 kilometers and can take over an hour and a half.
Yes, many easy trails in Burghfield are circular, offering convenient starting and ending points. Popular options include the Fobney Island Nature Reserve & Reading Green Park loop and the Kennet and Avon Canal โ Hosehill Lake loop, both providing scenic round trips.
Easy hikes in Burghfield often feature beautiful natural landscapes. You can explore the Hosehill Lake, walk alongside the Kennet and Avon Canal, or follow the River Kennet through areas like Fobney Island Nature Reserve. The nearby River Thames also offers scenic views and historical bridges like Whitchurch Bridge.
The easy trails in Burghfield are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Hikers often praise the tranquil waterside paths, the peaceful woodlands, and the accessibility of the routes, making them perfect for a relaxing outdoor experience.
While specific cafes or pubs directly on every easy route are not detailed, Burghfield village and nearby areas offer options for refreshments. Many routes are close enough to local amenities where you can find a place to eat or drink before or after your hike.
Burghfield's easy trails are enjoyable year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and pleasant weather, while autumn brings beautiful foliage. Even in winter, the gentle terrain and well-maintained paths make for accessible walks, though appropriate footwear is always recommended.
Yes, many easy walks provide scenic viewpoints, especially those along the waterways and around lakes. The paths around Hosehill Lake and along the Kennet and Avon Canal offer picturesque views of the water and surrounding nature.
Public transport options to Burghfield are available, with local bus services connecting to Reading and other nearby towns. Many trailheads, particularly those along the Kennet and Avon Canal, are accessible from various points within Burghfield and its surrounding areas, making it possible to reach them without a car.


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