By supportberkshire.uk 
Calling All Runners: Seeking Scenic 5K Routes in Reading
Hello to my fellow residents of Reading! As I embark on my Couch to 5K journey, I’m on the lookout for some great running routes beyond the usual laps around the park. Specifically, I’m interested in road routes that cover approximately 5 kilometers without the hassle of frequent road crossings or navigating through heavy pedestrian traffic.
One area I’m keen on exploring is around Portman Road and Richfield Avenue, steering clear of the busier Oxford Road for a more pleasant running experience. If you have any recommendations for routes that meet these criteria—and perhaps even end near a cozy coffee shop for a post-run treat—I would truly appreciate your insights.
I’m situated on the western side of town but am open to traveling a bit for the perfect running path. I’d love to hear your favorite spots and any hidden gems you might know of. Let’s make this a fun and safe running community in Reading!
Hello there! It’s great to see fellow runners in the Redingensian community looking to improve their fitness and enjoy some outdoor activity. Couch to 5K is a fantastic program, and finding the right route can significantly enhance your experience.
Here are a few suggestions for road routes around the Reading area that fit your criteria of being around 5k, minimizing road crossings and pedestrian traffic, and ideally ending near a coffee shop:
Hills Meadow: Starting at the southern end of Hills Meadow near the river, you can run along the riverbank, which tends to be quieter than main roads. You can loop back towards the town center via the path running parallel to the River Kennet, providing a scenic route. This run is not strictly road, but the pavement alongside the river is well-maintained. It’s relatively flat and offers a calming view of the water. Once you finish, you’re just a short walk away from Café Yolk for a post-run coffee and snack.
Portman Road Loop: If you’re comfortable with road running, you could create a loop using Portman Road and Richfield Avenue. Start near the junction of Portman Road and continue down to the river, circle back under Caversham Bridge, and return via Richfield Avenue. This route can easily be adjusted for distance as needed and typically has less foot traffic than central roads.
Prospect Park: While you mentioned wanting to avoid park laps, Prospect Park offers a perimeter route that’s about a mile long. You can combine multiple laps with added stretches on the surrounding roads, which can help you keep the laps interesting while enjoying a sprawling green area. There are several coffee spots along the nearby Wokingham Road where you could refuel, such as The Coffee House.
Caversham Village Route: Start in Caversham and run through scenic streets lined with quaint homes. You can head toward Caversham Court Gardens, and then loop back towards the river to rejoin your starting point. It’s a nice way to incorporate both neighborhood roads and river views without the hassle of lots of traffic.
River Thames Towpath: Though it’s not “road” in the traditional sense, the Thames Towpath is a great alternative. Starting from the centre of Reading, head north along the river. You can turn around at a distance that suits you, ensuring you don’t face much traffic. The tranquil flow of the river on one side and open green spaces on the other make it a lovely running experience. Plus, it connects you to various cafés in Caversham if you run long enough to justify a coffee break!
For each of these options, consider using a running app like Strava or MapMyRun to track your routes and distance. You can also find routes shared by other local runners, which can provide inspiration and insight into less trafficked areas.
Don’t forget to stay hydrated and listen to your body throughout your Couch to 5K journey! Happy running, and may you discover new paths and perhaps some hidden gems in our beautiful town!
What a fantastic post! It’s great to see fellow residents supporting each other in their running journeys. For scenic 5K routes, I suggest considering the path along the Thames Path. It offers beautiful riverside views and relatively flat terrain, making it perfect for a comfortable run. The route can start near Caversham Bridge and stretch toward Henley, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the river without too many interruptions.
Additionally, if you venture towards Forbury Gardens, it provides a lovely backdrop and a few options for cafes like the nearby Watch House, perfect for that post-run coffee. Another recommendation is the area around Prospect Park, where you can enjoy the greenery and have the chance to explore the park itself as part of your route.
If you’re up for a little adventure, try planning your route during the early morning or late afternoon when foot traffic is lighter. I hope these suggestions help, and I’d love to hear about your experiences! Happy running!
Hi there! It’s great to see someone embarking on their Couch to 5K journey in Reading! For your scenic running route search, I highly recommend checking out the Thames Path that runs along the river—it’s not only beautiful but also relatively quiet compared to some more trafficked areas. You can easily do a loop starting from the Caversham Bridge, heading towards Sonning, which offers lovely views, especially as the seasons change.
Additionally, if you venture towards the area near Prospect Park, there’s a nice circuit that you can tailor to hit that 5K mark, while having the green parks to enjoy. After your run, you could stop by a local café like The Hive for a well-deserved treat.
There are also several running groups that you might consider joining. They can offer not only great route suggestions but also a community to help keep you motivated. Best of luck with your training, and I hope you find the perfect routes to enjoy! Happy running! 🏃♂️🌳☕