Martin's Heron to Ascot, around Reading

Start : Martin's Heron Railway Station (RG12 9TZ) Grid ref. SU 887 683

(S) Leave the station from platform 2 and turn left along the path to the end of a wooden fence, passing the entrance to the housing.

(1) Turn right on the path across the stream then keep left around play area. At a T-junction turn right and short left through metal gates into Swine Park. Bear left along the broad ride, continuing ahead over first a crossing. Turn left at the next junction.

(2) On reaching a complex path junction take the second exit left (North-East). At the next complex path junction take the 4th (way-marked) exit to leave Swinley Park through the car park.

(3) Cross the road and turn left over the railway bridge, immediately turn right into the Nature Reserve with the main entrance, car park and picnic area on left. Two nature walks take off from here. Keep ahead past the area of heathland soon coming to the wetlands with Englemere Pond on the right.

(4) Continue on the main path and just before leaving the Nature Reserve via the gate on the left there is a good view of the pond on the right. Turn right along the A329 and cross the road at the traffic island. Continue in same direction across Gainsborough Drive.

(5) Then turn left along the bye-way (Blythewood Lane). Turn left into Burleigh Rd and follow the road round to the right, passing a new development of luxury homes, and continue to Kennel Avenue (Queen Anne's buckhounds used to be kennelled near here). Turn right along the avenue of magnificent Wellingtonias to reach the A322.

(6) Carefully cross the road and go through gate to Ascot Racecourse (A), where a moveable turf crossing, the first of its type, allows access to Ascot Heath. Bear right then keep ahead on the service road.

(7) Just before the cricket ground turn right at the Three Castles and Church Path sign and then left on hedged path across heath. Join road and turn right and left under the race-track and the A330.

(8) Climb steps on the right and go through gates to cross the new straight mile. Descend to the road, cross it with care and, opposite the footpath on the left, turn right into a back road.

(9) Keep ahead past Courseside Cottages and turn left before Dormy House to reach A329.

(10) Cross the road with care at the traffic island and turn right. Turn left on the footpath at a sign to Ascot Railway Station (which is also open on non-race days).(S)

Start : Martin's Heron Railway Station (RG12 9TZ) Grid ref. SU 887 683

Maps : Map OS Explorer 160

Find more information and walks at Round Reading Walks website here.

(A) Royal Ascot : Queen Anne founded the Ascot Races in 1711 and the first race at Roval Ascot is always the Queen Anne Stakes. In 1825 King George IV initiated the royal carriage processions and the tradition has been upheld to the present day. It is customary to dress up for Royal Ascot and a strict dress code applies in the Royal Stand. Other rules have been relaxed, though. Since 1955 it has been perfectly acceptable for divorcees to attend the Course, which was not the case before!