Berkshire
Free cycle maps are listed at bottom of page.
Berkshire offers a richly varied rural landscape yet is easily accessible from London by train and bus, making it an ideal destination for a day's cycling. In the north it is possible to cycle along the Ridgeway National Trail and continue westwards as far as Swindon. Towards the south, National Route 4 traverses the county following a largely traffic-free route that includes much of the Kennet and Avon Canal. See below for route inspiration. Alternatively, take a look at our suggested Easy Rides in South East England.
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| Kennet and Avon Canal at Newbury | The Oracle Development, Reading |
Open Routes
National Route 4
National Route 4 of the National Cycle Network comes out of London through Reading and Newbury and on to the West Country. It is a part of the Thames Valley Cycle Route and the Severn and Thames Cycle Route. The section of Route 4 from Maidenhead to Windsor is shown on the Jubilee River and Slough Linear Park leaflet which is available to download. Much of the route continuing eastwards from Reading follows the Kennet and Avon Canal. Download the Kennet & Avon cycle route leaflet.
National Route 5
National Route 5 runs north from Reading through attractive Chilterns villages to Didcot then continues along predominantly traffic-free routes to Oxford and beyond. The Berkshire section of Route 5 is part of the Thames Valley Cycle Route.
National Route 23
National Route 23 is currently open between Reading and Basingstoke within Berkshire. Download the Reading to Basingstoke leaflet (pdf). Route 23 continues south along beautiful quiet country lanes as far as Alresford.
National Route 61
National Route 61 is open and signed within Berkshire from Maidenhead to Colnbrook and continues from there to Uxbridge and Heathrow. Since the route is mainly within the flood plain of the River Thames, it is fairly flat and offers easy cycling and walking. The route follows the entire length of the Jubilee River path. Despite being man made, the Jubilee River looks and acts like a natural river and provides a surprising haven for wildlife which can be enjoyed by both walkers and cyclists alike. Download the Jubilee River & Slough Linear Park leaflet.
Route Development
Maidenhead Links to Schools
A new route beside the A4 in Maidenhead is almost complete. This will open up the western side of town to cycling and walking. This has been funded by a Links to Schools grant through Sustrans and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.
Slough
Slough is doing its best to slowly but surely transform its cycling and walking network. The recently improved and extended Cinder Track takes you via local schools and lovely parkland to the centre of the town. In the opposite direction, it gives access to minor roads out to Burnham Beeches where you can cycle through the ancient woodland. Plus, the new link via Upton Court Park provides a traffic-free ride or walk along National Route 61 along the peaceful Jubilee River backwater into the magnificent setting of Ditton Park - great for local journeys and travelling on to the capital by bike. The Jubilee River & Slough Linear Park leaflet (pdf) can be downloaded here or picked up at local council offices, information centres or bike shops.
Routes to Dorney Lake
Olympic Delivery Authority funding will see routes improved from Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead to Dorney Lake - the rowing and canoeing venue for 2012.
Work is expected to take place from summer 2010 onwards. Improvements will be made to the surface of the Thames Path near Eton and a muddy section of National Route 4 from Slough, which runs alongside the Windsor branch railway line, will be resurfaced. This is great news for anyone using these routes for regular local journeys as they will be much more pleasant to use even after rain and in the winter months.
Free cycle maps for Berkshire
Reading to Basingstoke
(National Route 23) - Sustrans, tel 0845 113 0065 or download (pdf)
The Jubilee River & Slough Linear Park
(National Routes 4 & 61) - Sustrans, tel: 0845 113 0065 or download (pdf)
The Kennet and Avon Cycle Route (National Route 4) - download (PDF)
Cycling in the Bracknell Forest area - Bracknell Forest BC, tel: 01344 354400
Cycling Around Heathrow - tel: 020 8745 2680 or download
Cycling in Crowthorne & Sandhurst area - Bracknell Forest BC, tel: 01344 354400
Round Berkshire Cycle Route - Bracknell Forest BC or tel: 01344 354400
Cycling in Reading - Reading BC, tel: 0118 939 0900
Cycling in Slough - Slough Borough
Council, tel: 01753 875640
Cycling in Newbury and Thatcham - West Berkshire Council or tel: 01635 519971
Cycling in West Berkshire / Hampshire Borders (5 leaflets):
- Burghclere & Westclere Cycle Routes - Rural Cycle Map 1
- Bucklebury, Bradfield, Yattendon, & Hermitage Cycle Routes - Rural Cycle Map 2
- Boxford, Welford, & Kintbury Cycle Routes - Rural Cycle Map 3
- Marsh Benham & Hungerford Cycle Routes - Rural Cycle Map 4
- Curridge, Chieveley, Boxford - Rural Cycle Map 5
All from West Berkshire Council, tel: 01635 519971.