This is a lovely section to cycle overall.  Aside from the simple navigation the peace and quiet was lovely.  Plenty of narrowboats to look at, a few canoeists were out and plenty of folk out for a leisurely walk.  

The going is generally good, though it had been dry before my trip along - what's it like in a wet winter is unknown to me! I was fully loaded with four panniers and just about comfortable to put my bike through the route.  Some of the path is narrow, many many tree routes and 5 and 6 inch rises to get onto some of the bridges.  This isn't a route for your best road bike, you need something that can roll with the terrain.

Newbury is a decent stop off point for a break, plenty of shops and cafes a minute or so from the canal.  Highly recommend the Bara Brith at Aldermaston tea shop! 

As you get towards Reading the path was a little littered but seen far worse.