Redgrave Pinsent Rowing Lake
Redgrave Pinsent Rowing Lake
4.5
(1019)
9,906
hikers
113
hikes
Urban hiking trails around Redgrave Pinsent Rowing Lake are set in a South Oxfordshire landscape characterized by an artificial lake, formed from former gravel pits, adjoining the River Thames. The area features a seventy-acre wildlife sanctuary and various wooded sections, offering diverse natural environments. Paths range from easily accessible routes to more varied terrain, providing options for different fitness levels.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
32
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
29
hikers
4.59km
01:10
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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15
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
50
hikers
8.36km
02:08
30m
30m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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I used to go here in the early 80s when it was a very friendly spot and sawdust pub. Although it's changed a lot over the years it's still a great place to go.
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Attwell's Memorial Fountain, Caversham Road, Reading outside Caversham Bridge Hotel, c1930. The fountain was in memory of Mayor of Reading Frank Attwell and his wife, and is now situated by the Thames side Promenade car park. 1930-1939
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Christchurch Bridge is one of those post-2010 structures that still looks vaguely futuristic if you squint through the drizzle, all brushed metal and angled cables, stretched over the Thames like someone thought Reading needed a statement piece on a budget. Built in 2015 to connect the town centre with the north bank, it was meant to be a step toward sustainable transport. These days, it’s more of a tactical crossing point. At 138 metres long, it offers a decent line across the water, provided you can navigate the walkers, the slow, unpredictable pedestrians who drift across both lanes like confused drones. They’ll stop dead, veer diagonally, or pull a 180 with no warning. Bells are useless. Polite coughs do nothing. Try “on your right” and you’ll get a sideways glance that says, “You chose threat.” The bridge itself is solid, no major structural issues, not yet, and the view isn’t bad if you’re into Reading riverside aesthetics or watching trains roll by in the middle distance. There’s usually a breeze, and sometimes the air carries a strange scent, incense and diesel or something like that, perhaps old factories nearby were smouldering. Two wheels have to treat the crossing like an obstruction. You ride steady, but ready, always prepared to dodge a wayward commuter or canine unit on a retractable leash stretched to trip-wire length. There’s no room to be indecisive, and definitely no time for mid bridge photo shoots unless you’re ready to become a cautionary anecdote. The incline is gentle, but if you’re hauling supplies or riding on a loaded frame, you’ll feel it by the halfway mark. Still, it’s a crucial part of the west-east route along the Thames Path. If you’re avoiding roads and staying off-grid, this bridge is your best shot across the river without backtracking for miles. At dawn or dusk, you might get lucky and cross it clean, no walkers, no noise, just the creak of your drivetrain and the water below, quiet and grey. At peak times, though, it’s a gauntlet. Urban survival, one careful pedal stroke at a time.
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Best way across the Thames in Reading and it links the station and city centre to the beautiful Christchurch meadows and the Thames path. Nice colour lights in the dark too
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Cast in bronze, 'Robed Figure' is the distinctive form and work of Elisabeth Frink's, thought to have been created in 1988. It is adjacent to Abbey Ruins in a private garden. Her work was often created by adding plaster to an armature, and then chiselling and forming the surface to shape. The gender of the figure is not known, however it does bear much resemblance to an element from her famous sculpture 'Dorset Martyrs'. Elisabeth Frink was one of 5 women who were on British Stamps in 1996.
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Jan 2024 this pub is now permanently closed. (It is for sale and may never be a pub again)
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Can be really busy with pedestrians around town centre
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Queen Victoria was very nearly a casualty of World War Two bombing raids on Reading. Look closely at her right hand, she is missing a finger. There is also damage to her spectre and the base of the statue, all inflicted by a bomb that fell nearby.
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There are over 120 urban hiking routes in the Redgrave Pinsent Rowing Lake area, offering a wide variety of experiences. Most of these, around 103, are considered easy, making the region very accessible for casual walkers and beginners.
The area offers varied terrain, from easily-accessible, flat paths along the lake and river to routes with some gentle elevation gain. You'll find a mix of lakeside views, riverside paths, and sections through woodlands and urban landscapes, providing a diverse walking experience.
Yes, the Redgrave Pinsent Rowing Lake area is excellent for beginners and those looking for easy walks. A significant majority of the routes, over 100, are rated as easy. For example, the Coal Woodland loop offers a gentle, scenic walk through wooded areas.
Urban hikes around Redgrave Pinsent Rowing Lake vary in length. Many routes, like the Fisherman's Cottage Pub – WorkHouse Coffee Company loop, can be completed in under two hours. Longer routes, such as the Reading Town Hall – Reading Abbey Ruins loop, might take closer to two to three hours, depending on your pace.
Hikers can enjoy beautiful views of Redgrave Pinsent Rowing Lake itself, which is an artificial lake created from former gravel pits. Many routes also offer proximity to the River Thames, providing tranquil waterside environments. The area also features a seventy-acre wildlife sanctuary and various wooded sections, contributing to a rich natural landscape.
Yes, urban hikes in this region often pass by interesting landmarks. You might encounter historical sites like the Reading Abbey Ruins or significant civic buildings such as Reading Town Hall on routes like the Reading Abbey Ruins – Reading Town Hall loop. The routes also offer glimpses of local villages like Sonning Eye and the bustling areas of Caversham.
Yes, the Redgrave Pinsent Rowing Lake area is well-connected by public transport, particularly from Reading. Buses frequently serve the surrounding suburbs like Caversham and the village of Sonning Eye, making it convenient to reach various starting points for urban hikes without a car.
Parking is generally available in the vicinity of Redgrave Pinsent Rowing Lake, particularly in the nearby towns and villages such as Caversham and Sonning Eye. Specific parking details can often be found on individual route descriptions on komoot, or by checking local council websites for public car parks.
The Redgrave Pinsent Rowing Lake area offers enjoyable urban hiking experiences year-round. Spring and summer provide lush greenery and pleasant temperatures for waterside walks, while autumn brings beautiful foliage to the wooded sections. Even in winter, the paths are generally accessible, offering crisp views of the lake and river.
Absolutely. With over 100 easy-rated routes, many urban hikes around Redgrave Pinsent Rowing Lake are ideal for families. These trails often feature relatively flat terrain and scenic views, making them suitable for children. Look for routes that stick to well-maintained paths and avoid significant elevation changes.
Many urban hiking trails in the Redgrave Pinsent Rowing Lake area are dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially near wildlife sanctuary areas, livestock, or busy urban sections. Please be mindful of local signage and clean up after your pet to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
Yes, many of the urban hiking routes around Redgrave Pinsent Rowing Lake are designed as circular walks, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Caversham Bridge – Christchurch Bridge loop, which offers a convenient way to explore the area without retracing your steps.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquil lakeside and riverside scenery, the accessibility of the paths, and the variety of routes that combine natural beauty with urban points of interest. The presence of cafes and pubs along some routes is also frequently highlighted as a welcome amenity.


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