Lower River Row

Lower River Row sits tucked into Hampshire woodland between Reading and the Berkshire border, a proper slice of old-growth forest that feels genuinely remote despite being within commuting distance of town. The walk winds through dense beech and oak, with the river threading alongside - it's the kind of place where light filters through in columns and you actually have to watch your footing on the forest floor.

Walkers will get the most from this. It's not a destination attraction where you tick a box and leave; it's a three or four-hour commitment if you want to do it justice, longer if you're the type to stop and listen. The riverside path is well-trodden but never feels overcrowded. Families with older kids (eight-plus) will manage fine, though it's muddy after rain and there's not much to break up the walk for restless younger ones.

The appeal is straightforward - ancient woodland, decent exercise, and a genuine sense of being away from it all. No facilities to speak of, so bring water and a packed lunch if you're stopping long. There's no entrance fee that I could find, though parking might be tight on weekends.

If you're staying at Wellington Country Park nearby, Lower River Row makes a solid morning or afternoon outing. The contrast between the manicured park grounds and this wilder stretch of forest actually works well - one day gentle family stuff, the next proper woods walking. Worth the short drive from Reading if you're after something with proper woodland atmosphere rather than another managed beauty spot.