Great West Way® Travel Magazine | Issue 04

What does slow travel mean to you?
Alex: I cycle to work in Reading town centre every
day – Reading is a good scale for cycling. We also have
lovely footpaths along the Thames and Kennet, river
boat companies, the UK’s best bus company and a
£900 million train station in the heart of the town. For
me, slow travel is any journey where you don’t have to
take the car. Any of those would be THE BEST way to
visit Reading.
What do you think makes the Great West Way
special?
Alex: I know when I travel on holiday that a trail type
itinerary that brings together a diverse experience
and range of places really helps me explore under my
own steam. I think the Great West Way will provide
great ideas for exploring a special part of England and
allow visitors to see a number of different sides of our
country, from charming countryside and villages to
gritty multicultural urban landscapes – all within really
easy travelling distance of each other.
Do you have any insider tips or advice for travellers
who want to experience the touring route ‘like a
local’?
Alex: Chat to people when you are visiting/travelling.
Diffident British people probably won’t make the first
move to talk to you but if you ask their opinion or
start the ball rolling they’ll be delighted to share their
knowledge and experience with you. My best holiday
memories have always involved local people so treat
every pub, train journey or shopping trip as a chance to
make a new friend.
Describe your perfect adventure on the Great West
Way:
Alex: I think it is the diversity of any one day on the
Great West Way that makes it special. If you were in
Reading, that could involve a guided tour of the Abbey
Ruins, open air swimming at the restored Edwardian
Thames Lido, watching Reading FC in action at the
‘Mad Stad’, afternoon tea at The Roseate or a great live
band at one of Reading’s many live music venues.
What’s your favourite thing to eat or drink along the
touring route, a meal, a local delicacy or a favourite
tipple perhaps? And any cafes, restaurants or pubs
you can recommend?
Alex: Many first time visitors to the UK are surprised
by how multicultural our country is. 150 languages
are spoken in Reading schools, for example. For food
and drink fans, one of the benefits of our multicultural
society is the amazing choice of food on offer. In
Reading, you could try the Spanish/North African
influence at Thames Lido, the new Ethiopean café in
Palmer Park, Modern Indian at Clays Hyderabadi or
the non-licensed Lebanese Bakery House or take your
pick on the Wednesday/Friday street food markets.
Fans of ‘bitter’ (British ale/beer) should head for one
of the best pubs in the south of England, the Nags
Head or one of the new taprooms springing up around
Reading. →
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