The Reading Branch dates from the start of the campaign in 1955 to save the Kennet & Avon Canal from formal abandonment. We focus our efforts on the stretch between Reading and Aldermaston.
The canal sweeps through Reading’s city centre past County Lock and into the area that was once Reading’s brewery but now is a busy shopping and cinema district. You’re just a stone’s throw away from 900 year-old Reading Abbey Ruins. Further upstream, once a busy industrial canal wharf, Aldermaston is now a peaceful backwater. It’s great place to start exploring the beautiful Kennet & Avon Canal.
We’re always on the look out for volunteers to join the branch with a number of different opportunities available. Everything from helping crew our boat to organising meeting. Please get in touch if you can help via the form below.
Monthly meetings
We are joined by a different speaker each month to find out more about a canal related subject. Meeting take place on the third Tuesday from Sept to May. *Please Note Change The May Meeting will be at The Cunning Man, Burghfield Road, Burghfield. RG30 3RB. we open the doors 7.30p.m. and start the meeting at 7.45p.m. There is a virtual option for anyone further afield. Please contact chair.reading@katrust.org.uk if you wish to join us remotely.
Keep an eye on our events page for upcoming talks. Everyone welcome.
Please find this year’s Programme below:
19th March, TBA, Environment Agency Thames @ Reading,
16th April, TBA, Crofton Pumping station,
21st May, David Cliff, Industry on the 1st Mile of the Kennet,
17th September, Victoria Owens, LTC Rolt new book
15th October, IWA, Verna Smith
19th November, Waterways Photography, Kev Maslin
17th December, General gathering @ The Narrowboat
Matilda Too
Our branch operates a trip boat, Matilda Too. You can take a trip around Reading and see the town from a different perspective.
There is even an option to hire to celebrate a special occasion.
Tea rooms Aldermaston
The Tea rooms Aldermaston, located in the Wharf does a great job of keeping walkers and visitors supplied with great coffee and delicious lunches. The garden offers an ideal venue to enjoy the canalside setting, and car parking is nearby. The “Snug” can be booked small groups to hold meetings.
Reading Waterfest
This year Reading Waterfest Will be on 8th of June. If you would like to bring your boat to this years event please complete the registration form . Please contact chair.reading@katrust.org.uk if you would like to know more.
Its a great day out for all the family to enjoy good food, music and all the canal has to offer. Don’t forget to buy a duck in the race that rounds off the day!
