Touring - Readings on Reading, UK

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View Full Version : Readings on Reading, UK

stokell
07-21-03, 05:03 PM
I'm hoping to make a bike trip to the southwest of England in April, 2004.
It now appears I will use Reading as my portal from Canada.
Are there any members out there with info on bike routes taking me to Avebury, Glastonbury and beyond?
I'd also like some ideas on how I can leave my bike box. Could it be left luggage at the rail station?

MichaelW
07-22-03, 05:39 AM
Check out
http://www.sustrans.org.uk/webcode/RegionPage.asp?SelectRegion=South_East
stokell
07-22-03, 06:01 AM
I have the Sustrans map for the Severn and Thames route. Reading is included with a panel on the map but it indicates there is currently not a recommended route between Reading and Newbury.
I'm wondering if that condition has changed.

Niall
07-24-03, 09:21 AM
How old is your map. The main Sustrans book indicates that there is a route, and an OS map I have indicates a cylce network route running alongside the Kennet and Avon canal, and then the River Kennet.

Failing that, the A4 road runs the 25 km, or so, betwen Reading and Newbury. It's a fairly busy but generally wide road and I've never had any problems on it (although I was on a road bike, not a fully loaded tourer), plus there's cycle paths and usually empty pedestrian pavements next to it for large sections.

As far as leaving your bike box at the station, I'm not sure, I guess I could ask today as I'm passing through. Is it just a cardboard box that bikes arrive at shops in? If so there's a couple of very friendly bike shops in town (closed Sunday and Monday) who will probably be able to give you another.