A Katesgrove Walkabout
A wander through the lesser-known back streets of Victorian Reading.
Date and time
Location
RG1 2NZ
Corner of Pell Street and Elgar Road Opposite Bally Convenience Store Reading RG1 2NZ United KingdomRefund Policy
About this event
Key facts
- Part of Reading Walks Festival 2024
- Learn something new on a guided tour - less walking/more talking
- Medium difficulty / 3.2km / 2.5 hours
- Start: Traffic lights at the corner of Pell St and Elgar Rd
- Walking shoes/ boots. Some muddy paths
- Stop at the end for refreshments
- Toilets at the end
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Family friendly
About the walk
Starting in Pell Street with our backs to River Road we will note Grade II Katesgrove Primary School and the properties in Pell Street before heading over to Elgar Road. Here, we will admire the brickwork and features of its staggered terraced properties, some of which surprisingly have their gardens down to the Kennet. We will reflect on the lost Co-Op printing works and its successor and the history of Reading's bricks.
The story of Trooper Potts VC will be highlighted. Trooper Potts and his family lived in the local streets. Then to the green and blue (we hope) as we walk in Waterloo Meadows alongside the Kennet, undoubtedly an important local green asset and oasis. Will ""Wellington"" boots be needed? We will hear about Roman Gold Hoards and Marianne! Then down past the Hindu Temple and the Whitley Pump heading into town. On route we pass the British School, hear about the little known Kats Company (nothing to do with Andrew Lloyd Webber) and lost pubs before we head down Pell St to pass Katesgrove Primary before ending up at the Hook and Tackle / Namaste Kitchen for a drink and a natter. Phew!
As this is a walk developed with Terry's Reading Walkabouts he always appreciates it when people are willing to donate to his 2 charities, which in 2024-25 are The Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association and ABC to Read.
About the walk leader
Richard Bennett is the walk leader.
"I have lived in West Reading, Baker St, since 1986. I am Chair of Reading Civic Society, Vice Chair of the Conservation Area Advisory Committee and a Trustee at Grade II* Watlington House. I have led several walks over the years, I hope to be joined by Terry Dixon (tbc)."
Getting there
Meet location: Traffic lights at the corner of Pell St and Elgar Rd, opposite to Bally Convenience Store RG1 2NZ https://what3words.com/shunts.print.tinsel End: Namaste Kitchen/Hook and Tackle 16 Katesgrove Lane RG1 2ND https://what3words.com/divisions.mixer.riches
10 minute walk from Central Reading . No. 5, 6 or 13 bus from the Market Place
Frequently asked questions
Sorry! Dogs are not permitted to join any of our walk unless a guide dog or assistance dog
Some of the walks are suitable for younger children. Please see each walk description. All children MUST be accompanied by a paying adult.
All our walk leaders have assessed their walk for accessibility, by which we mean the walk features smooth(ish!) pathways with ramps (if steps) and wide entrances for individuals with mobility challenges. Accessible walks will be identified in the walk description. Get in touch if in doubt.
We live in a country with changeable weather. There is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes! The walks will take place in all but the worst weather. You will be notified by the walks leader if it is to be cancelled. If you aren’t able to attend, please alert the walks leader so your
We are unable to provide refunds if you can no longer attend. In the very unlikely situation that the Festival has to cancel the walk, you will be offered a full refund.
Your walk leader will have a list of everyone who has booked a ticket so you don’t need to bring a print out of your ticket. However, if you haven't booked in advance, your walk leader will not be able to accept you on the walk.
Please dress for the UK in May! It could be lovely, hot or rainy! Many of the walks are in urban areas so no special walking kit is required. Please do bring water though and a coat! For longer/countryside walks, please ensure you have suitable footwear/walking boots, rain protection etc.
Our walks are designed to link into the bus and train system so please try and use public transport. Details of how to reach the start/end point of the walk by public transport is given in each walk description. If parking is available, it will be included in the walk description.
Please do not come if you are feeling unwell. If you have any medical conditions, please either alert the walk leader and advise them of any medication you are carrying. Your health remains your responsibility at all times.
Once you have booked a walk, you will get an automatic confirmation of your place. Nearer the time, the walks leader will then contact you with his/her contact details and any special instructions for the day. The Festival organiser, REDA, can be reached at alex.brannen@reading.gov.uk