Caversham Lock - Reach Above The Lock

Reach Above The Lock

Soon after the lock is Reading Bridge followed by Fry's Island in the middle of the river. The built up part of Reading continues on the southern side to Caversham Bridge, to which is attached Pipers Island. The northern bank passes through the suburb of Caversham, where St Mary's Island is close to the bank.Reading Amateur Regatta is held annually in June between St Mary's Island and Caversham Bridge. Reading Festival is held on August Bank Holiday at Little John's Farm on Richfield Avenue near Caversham Bridge. During the festival a temporary structure, Reading Festival Bridge, links the site with parking and camping areas on the open meadows on the north bank. Here the Chiltern Hills can be seen in the background.

On the south bank, after the open space, is Tilehurst, where the river turns north with the two islands of Appletree Eyot and Poplar Island in the centre of the river. The railway runs parallel to the river for some way on a high brick embankment, and further upstream on the southern bank is Purley-on-Thames. On the northern bank Mapledurham House comes into view as the river continues northwards towards Mapledurham Lock.

The Thames Path follows the southern bank to Mapledurham lock.