Whether you’re a proud dog owner living in Spencers Wood, Shinfield or Three Mile Cross, or just visiting the area with your furry friend, you’re in the perfect place for some beautiful green walks!
This part of Berkshire is home to several dog-friendly green spaces, many of which are SANGs (Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces). These were created alongside housing developments (such as Croft Gardens, The Brambles, Stanbury View, Coronation Fields and Shinfield Meadows) to provide local people (and their dogs) with attractive, recreational places while also protecting wildlife habitats. What this means for you is a network of open meadows, wooded edges, and linked paths that make for some of the best dog walks in the area!
To help you choose your next outing, we’ve put together a guide to six of our favourite dog-walking spots nearby. In this post, you’ll discover everything from open fields and hilltop trails to riverside paths and wildflower meadows – each with its own charm and plenty of space for your dog to explore. You’ll also find practical details like where the entrances, benches, and dog waste bins are, plus a few handy tips about things like muddy paths or cows grazing.
👉 You can explore all six locations (including entrances, walking routes, benches, and bins) on our interactive Google Map here:
View all 6 walks on Google My Maps
1. Clares Green Field
Clares Green Field is a spacious grassland on the edge of Croft Gardens, popular with local dog walkers for its open feel and simple layout. The field is divided into two main grassy areas by a central line of trees, giving you the option of shorter or longer circular walks.
It’s a great choice if you want a relaxed stroll with your dog, though do be mindful of muddy patches after rain and the occasional presence of cows during the spring, summer, and autumn months.
Facilities & things to note:
- Entrances: Main gate off Ryeish Lane (by the junction with Clares Green Road), plus a second gate near Spencers Wood Youth Football Club.
- Bins: Available at both entrances for convenient waste disposal.
- Benches: None. Bring a blanket or be ready to perch on the grass if you’d like to rest.
- Cows: Sometimes graze here in warmer months; best to avoid if your dog isn’t calm around livestock.
- Muddy conditions: Can get very muddy in wet weather. Waterproof boots and a good paw wash at home are recommended.
2. Five Acre Field
Just northeast of Clare’s Green Field, Five Acre Field is another lovely open space bordered by hedgerows and trees. It’s ideal for a shorter walk (around 600m), or you can extend your outing into the adjacents western and eastern fields for a longer loop.
This field has a peaceful atmosphere, with one handy bench where you can sit and take in the view, or snap a photo of your dog enjoying their walk. We often stop there to capture some lovely Waggy Boops moments!
Facilities & things to note:
- Entrances: Four pedestrian gates, including the main one off Ryeish Lane (with a bin and information board).
- Walking routes: ~600m loop inside the field; optional extensions via the western and eastern unnamed fields (warning: very muddy after rain).
- Benches: One, on the western side near the connecting western unnamed field.
- Poop bin: Available at the main entrance off Ryeish Lane.
- Cows: Sometimes graze here and in the connecting western unnamed field in warmer months.
3. May’s Farm Meadows
To the north of Clare’s Green, May’s Farm Meadows offers three linked grassland fields with paths around their perimeters. Two fields sit on the top of a gentle hill, while the third stretches out below, giving you a chance to enjoy a bit of variety on your walk.
From the top, you’ll get fantastic views across Reading, including a glimpse of the iconic wind turbine. With benches placed along the hilltop, it’s a perfect spot to rest while your dog explores the open grass.
Facilities & things to note:
- Entrances: Multiple pedestrian gates linking the three fields together.
- Walking routes: Perimeter loops around each field; hilltop walks with views toward Reading.
- Benches: Several at the top of the hill, ideal for enjoying the scenery.
- Bins: None in the meadows themselves, so bring bags back out with you.
- Cows: Sometimes graze here in warmer months. Check before entering with your dog.
- Car park: Available near to the junction of Hyde End Lane and Church Lane, on the eastern side of Hyde End Lane, within The Ridge SANG – all you have to do is cross the road to get to May’s Farm Meadows.
- Muddy conditions: Expect mud on wet days.
4. The Ridge
The Ridge is a large open SANG managed by the University of Reading. With its long grassy meadows and winding paths, it’s a great choice if your dog enjoys a longer, more adventurous walk. Keep your eyes peeled – if you’re lucky, you might spot wild deer darting across the fields. Just be sure to keep your dog under control, especially if they’re prone to chasing.
Facilities & things to note:
- Entrances: Multiple pedestrian entrances from Hyde End Lane, Bolton Drive, Martyn Crescent, Aragon Crescent, Alder Grove, Allen Way and Deardon Way.
- Walking routes: Several circular and connecting paths, great for longer walks.
- Benches: Scattered throughout, offering resting spots.
- Bins: Provided around the area.
- Car park: Available near to the junction of Hyde End Lane and Church Lane.
- Wildlife: We have spotted deer a few times running around in this SANG; be cautious if your dog is off leash and poor recall.
5. High Copse Pavilion & Sports Ground
High Copse Pavilion is a community hub with sports pitches, green space, and convenient facilities, also managed by the University of Reading. It’s less of a “wild” countryside walk and more of a structured, open area—perfect if you want a straightforward stroll with your dog in a well-maintained environment.
Facilities & things to note:
- Entrances: Accessible from Hyde End Road, Hyde End Lane, Bolton Drive and High Copse.
- Walking routes: Around the sports ground and pavilion area.
- Benches: Several available around the site.
- Bins: There are general waste and recycling bins available.
- Car park & cycle stand: On-site bike racks and car parking from High Copse make visiting easy.
- Best for: A nice dog walk with good amenities and less muddy conditions on wet days compared to other nearby fields due to more gravelled paths.
6. Langley Mead
Langley Mead is a fantastic dog-walking destination, offering expansive meadows and riverside paths managed by the University of Reading. It’s a favourite with local dog owners for its size and variety, with plenty of space for long walks and open running.
The area is rich in wildlife. Look out for woodpeckers, skylarks, and other birds as you explore.
Facilities & things to note:
- Entrances: Multiple access points from Hyde End Road, Millworth Lane and Arborfield Road.
- Walking routes: Long, varied circuits through meadows and along the river. There are surfaced paths and boardwalks, which make it easier to navigate in wet weather (boardwalks can be slippery when wet though, so be cautious). Paths there can still become flooded under heavy rain, at times making the boardwalks unreachable.
- Benches: Several dotted around for rest stops.
- Bins: Available at some entrances and a couple around the fields.
- Muddy conditions: Some areas can get very muddy in winter or after heavy rain.
- Cows: A small herd of traditional cattle grazes seasonally. Always give them space and keep your dog under close control if cows are present.
- Car parks and cycle stands: Two car parks and cycle stands available from Hyde End Road and from Arborfield Road.
- Wildlife: Expect birds, butterflies, wildflowers, and woodpeckers if you’re lucky!
Final Notes
These are our favourite dog-walking spots around Spencers Wood and Shinfield, where we take the dogs from Waggy Boops for their daily adventures. Each location has its own charm, whether it’s the open grass of Clare’s Green, the hilltop views at May’s Farm and The Ridge, or the wild meadows of Langley Mead.
🐾 If you are looking for a reliable dog walker in Spencers Wood & Shinfield, or looking for doggy daycare, home boarding, or pet sitting services, we’d love to help.
👉 Browse through our Waggy Boops website to find out more and get in touch!
