More than two dozen valiant souls gathered at Reading station for a walk south from the town along the newly created Camino Ingles or St James Way. The route begins at St James RC church beside the ruins of Reading Abbey and leads all the way to Southampton, from whence pilgrims can walk all the way to Santiago da Compostella to visit the supposed remains of St James. St James is patron saint of Spain, having supposedly landed at Tarragona. Reading Abbey's own pilgrim trade was based on what is purportedly the hand of St James, now kept in a church in Marlow.

There were however no spare parts to be seen on our walk. Although the sky was grey, the mood was upbeat. Walk leader David Woodward provided a number of brief anecdotes along the way, including an explanation of why Queen Victoria turned her back on the town, and of the gruesome execution of the last abbot right under the windows of what was to become Jane Austen's school.

The route was smooth and mostly dry. It follows the Kennet & Avon Canal, taking in Fobney Labyrinth or 'Multiple Duck Bill' weir, which has a very unusual zig zag design. It was built in the mid-1980s and permits a much greater discharge than a conventional weir. Lunch at the Cunning Man Inn at Burghfield Bridge was copious and relaxed. After eating ten walkers continued for a further couple of miles to Theale station for the train back, whilst a larger number returned to Reading by bus.

Images thanks to Bill Fuller.