Local musician and violin teacher Liz Bradbury has ‘added a new string to her bow’ as they say! – as co-founder, with Caroline Gratrix, of Walk Works. Liz explained to Elestr Lee how the inspiration for the new venture came
I GREW UP in Hertfordshire, and studied at Durham and then Newcastle,” Liz said. “Having initially studied music, I did my master’s in information and library management and went to work in London, doing business research in the corporate world. My husband got a job in Oxford, so we came to live in this area.
“When the youngest of my three children was five, I got my violin out and joined Reading Symphony Orchestra – I really loved it! When I told friends and school parents that I played the violin, they started asking me if I could teach their children. This grew, and I’ve been teaching for 14 years now. I worked for Berkshire Maestros for three years, teaching in schools all over the county, including running a string orchestra based at Highdown. But now I work privately from my house in Emmer Green.
“I teach both adults as well as children; some want to work through the grades, or I explore a wide range of musical genres with others. For the past three years my pupils have played at the Artisa Christmas Market in Marsack Street – it’s so rewarding getting the children playing together and they have such a good time!” Liz recalled.
She’s now been a member of Reading Symphony Orchestra, which rehearses weekly at Queen Anne’s School in Caversham, for more than ten years. “When I joined RSO my first thought was ‘Wow, what an amazing orchestra’ – and I still do!” enthused Liz. She is now combining her music teaching and performing with her new project.
The idea for Walk Works came during the upheavals caused by Covid-19, when Liz and longtime friend Caroline Gratrix got together once again. “Caroline and I have been friends since we met at the post-natal group at Balmore Surgery,” Liz explained. “During Covid-19, we wanted to meet up and get some exercise. One day I suggested to Caroline we should go for a long walk in the countryside – somewhere she’d never been. That walk blew Caroline’s mind – she had no idea there were so many footpaths in this area, even though she’s lived here forever.
“We went home and excitedly looked up other footpaths, putting together a variety of routes, and reading up on the history of places we discovered. We wanted to share these walks with others and develop a business from this. In December 2020 we came up with an event and posted it on Facebook. One person turned up! After that we set up a Facebook page and an Instagram account, and learned how to use social media – eight people came, then 12 – it started growing.
“We now have a large community of ‘regulars’; we have hundreds of routes all over the Chilterns, Berkshire and South Oxfordshire. Walks tend to be from five to 10 kilometers, and last around two hours – we meet at 9:30 and can be back for 11:30, and between 20 and 40 people join us. We try to stop at a pub or café half-way, so this also supports the rural communities and small businesses around our area.”
Liz sees a definite connection between being a musician and her new business. “Playing a musical instrument is both a physical activity and important for mental health. Music for me gives me a bit of ‘head space’ – it’s almost like meditating. But you also get this from walking. “With Walk Works, it’s a great way to exercise. Like learning a new piece of music, those taking part are also discovering new places. Just as taking part in an orchestra, group walking also creates a sense of community – a shared experience. Plus the friendships which have developed amongst our regular walkers makes Walk Works even more rewarding.”
As well as discovering new walks, Liz and Caroline are developing ideas which combine walking with fun, unique experiences. In 2025 they ran two very successful Chilterns Walking and Vineyard Tours, featuring an epic 14km walk, including a tour and tasting at four vineyards. “Watch this space for new Walking and Vineyard events in 2026!” Liz promised. Walk Works also offer nature-inspired re-set days, and team walks for businesses. Last year this included walks collaborating with local businesses, providing activities including a ‘sound bath’ and an African drumming workshop, enhancing the experience of being in nature. The pair are inspired by their own creativity – Caroline as a photographer, and Liz’s musical interests.
For 2026, Liz is keen to continue helping others develop musical skills as well as to enjoy the benefits of the outdoors. She is fizzing with ideas for Walk Works, which won Community of the Year award at the Pride of Reading Awards in 2025. “We weren’t expecting it – it was a real surprise!” Liz said.
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