Pangbourne and Mapledurham Lock Circular

Start : Pangbourne Railway Station (RG8 7DY) Grid ref. SU 632 766

(S/E) From the station turn right under the railway bridge along Station Road.

(1) Before the roundabout cross the road and turn left towards Pangbourne village centre.

(2) Soon cross the road and just after W.H. Smith turn right along The Moors. Keep ahead on hedged path past houses then through a gate into the meadow, soon with River Pang on the right.

(3) At the cross paths by the bridge turn sharp left. Go through gate and bear right (South-East) on a grassy path across meadow. At a field boundary keep ahead across bridge and second field.

(4) Go through the gate and turn right along road. Cross the bridge and after about 200 yards turn left on public footpath through the middle of the field then up steps into Sulham Wood. Keep ahead ignoring all side tracks.

(5) Leaving the wood keep ahead across the field to the corner of the copse where the path bears right. Continue to cross paths at the high point.

(6) Turn left. Enjoy the far-reaching views across the Thames Valley.

(7) On reaching the wood take the right fork around the edge. At the end of the wood the path does a quick left and right and descends with the boundary on the right. Keep ahead.

(8) Then jink left and right down the hill and through the gate to a road end of a residential road. Turn right along the pavement, and follow the road along then round to the left to reach the A329.

(9) Turn right for a few yards then cross carefully into bridleway which leads to the railway bridge. Turn right at cross path.

(10) On reaching Purley Lane turn left. Pass Home Farm and take next left down Mapledurham Drive, now on the Thames Path.

(11) On reaching the River Thames bear left to the lock. The walk now follows the Thames Path along this scenic section of the river for just over two miles.

(12) Just before the toll bridge between Pangbourne and Whitchurch take the path on the left through the trees and past the boat house to reach the road.

(13) Cross with care to footpath to the station, passing a little garden overlooking the weir where you are welcome to rest awhile.

(14) Carefully cross the main road to the station entrance. (S/E)

Start : Pangbourne Railway Station (RG8 7DY) Grid ref. SU 632 766

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