You may know that Sulham Woods is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with a vast area of woods and fields to explore. Young and old, families, or individuals can enjoy walks of varying length on flat ground or steeper slopes. You can amble along designated wide paths or navigate winding narrow tracks.
Over the years, I’ve enjoyed many walks in Sulham Woods with family and friends. I’ve occasionally been treated to the sight of roe deer and muntjac, and more often to red kites and other birds overhead. Flora and fauna abound, the most notable, in my opinion, being the carpet of bluebells adorning the woods in spring. From Easter onwards their blue flowers will transform much of the area.
Short walk (~30 mins)
Start at Long Lane (towards Sulham Hill) opposite Blackthorn Close (limited car parking).
Enter the woods on the left-hand side and follow the wooded path parallel to the main one. Follow it as it bends to the left, and a little later to the right.
After it bends to the left again, with the field immediately on your right, look out for and follow the clear path out of the woods and across the field.
Turn right and follow the well-defined main path to where three other paths meet at a crossroads. Turn right to make your way back to the starting point.
Medium walk (~45 mins)
Begin opposite the top of Dark Lane. Walk along the gravel pathway between properties old and new. Access the field through the gate at the end and walk to the crossroads ahead.
Turn right and enjoy crossing the fields with far-reaching views as you make your way to the wooded area on the left. Turn left and continue straight ahead with the field to your left.
A little further on, take either path (my favourite is the left one). Watch out for roots as the narrow path winds in and out of the trees.
There is the opportunity to turn left or right after a short incline. Take the left path and follow it until it reaches the wide path and open fields.
Turn left, go straight ahead over the crossroads, and back to the starting point.
Long walk (~1 hour)
Take the left path into the woods from the car park at the top of Sulham Hill, and then the 1st, 2nd or 3rd narrower path to the left.
These wind steeply down to a wide, level path at the bottom. As you follow this to the right, you’ll see rope swings added by other walkers. In years gone by, it was very difficult for our children to pass without trying them out – entirely at their own risk, of course!
This wide path, with fields and Sulham itself to the left, crosses over other marked paths and eventually winds round to the right, where you can walk back towards Sulham Hill.
Turn right into the woods again and follow the highlighted directions from the medium walk. Turn right after the incline, and join the large path, keeping to the upper-left area.
Some way ahead, take a right diagonal walk through the magnificent pine trees, and back to the car park.
Sue, Tilehurst