Need to Know

Please read the ‘Need to Know’ page which sets out the Terms and Conditions which you, and those you are booking on behalf of, agree to be bound by when booking and participating in our activities. You will be asked to expressly agree to the terms when you book this walk.

The details for each walk are set our below.

• Fri 12th June - Oxford to Abingdon (Relay Leg 8)

• Wed 17th June - Caversham Bridge to Henley-on-Thames (Relay Leg 13)

• Thursday 18th June - Henley to Marlow (Relay Leg 14)

What to expect:

Terraine:  All three walks are generally easy going, stile free and with no significant ascent.  We walk through riverside meadows on established paths and tracks, along rural roads, and through riverside towns.  Some paths are firm/tarmac surface, while others are dirt/grass paths which may be rough, wet or muddy (particularly after rain).  You can also expect a few steps to cross bridges, etc.

Livestock:  We may pass through fields with livestock, including sheep, cattle, and deer.  Please be aware that we do not accept dogs on our walks.

Refreshment breaks / facilities:  There will be planned breaks during each walk - please bring your own food/drink. Note that toilet facilities on each walk are limited.

Fri 12th June - Oxford to Abingdon (Relay Leg 8)

Start time: 9:30 am | Duration: Approx. 4.5 hrs | Distance: 9.5 miles (15km) | Difficulty: moderate

Description: This walk starts in Oxford, the first main city on the river. From Osney Bridge, as we wind our way towards Abingdon, the Thames is soon joined by the waters of the River Cherwell. Leaving the city behind, the path passes willow-lined banks, quiet backwaters and wide meadows, with the steady flow of the Thames creating a calm, unhurried atmosphere. The route feels increasingly rural, with expansive views and abundant wildlife, before reaching Rye Farm Meadow on the edge of the historic riverside town of Abingdon. Locks - Osney, Ifley, Sandford, and Abindon.

Start: Oxford - Osney Bridge, Botley Rd. What3words ///solar.tidy.invest

Finish: Abingdon - Rye Farm Meadows Car Park. What3words ///moth.major.basis

How to get here:

• Bus: • X1 / X2 / X3 (Abingdon ↔ Oxford) • S1 (Oxford ↔ Eynsham ↔ Witney ↔ Carterton) • E1 (Oxford ↔ Eynsham ↔ Witney) • 4A / 4B (Osney Island ↔ Botley / Harcourt Hill) • 63 / 63S (Oxford ↔ Longworth)

• Train: Oxford Railway station - 10-15 minute walk to the bridge.

• Car: We suggest parking at Rye Farm Meadows, Abingdon then bus to Oxford.

Wed 17th June - Caversham Bridge to Henley-on-Thames (Relay Leg 13)

Start time: 9:15 am | Duration: Approx. 6.5 hrs | Distance: 11.7 miles / 18.8 km | Difficulty: Moderate/hard (due to length)

We are excited to be leading this walk in partnership with Walk Works.

Description: The Thames Path from Caversham Bridge to Henley-on-Thames is a varied and engaging walk as the river winds through a mix of suburbia, villages and classic Thames scenery. Leaving Reading behind, the path soon feels greener and more relaxed, passing wooded banks, meadows and riverside estates as it approaches Sonning. From this point the walk is especially attractive, with broad reaches of river, elegant houses, pleasure boats and open countryside. After Shiplake the trail follows a diversion up through Harpsden Woods before arriving at Henley, where bridges, boathouses and the town’s strong rowing heritage give the Thames a lively, celebratory feel. Locks: Caversham, Sonning, Shiplake, Marsh.

Start: Caversham Bridge - the green space by Reading Rowing Club. What3words ///myself.aware.song

Finish: Henley-on-Thames - Pavillion in Mill Meadows. What3words ///chitchat.ferrets.braced

How to get here:

• Train: Rail connections from London Paddington, Oxford, Didcot, Newbury, Swindon, Bristol. 10 min walk to start point.

• Bus: • Reading Bus Aqua 28 (Reading/Caversham ↔ Henley) • Reading Bus 23/24/25 also pass the near to the start point.

• Car: Various car parks available - Riverside (Thames Side) Car Park, Richfield Avenue (RG1).

Thursday 18th June - Henley to Marlow (Relay Leg 14)

Start time: 9:30 am | Duration: Approx. 5 hrs | Distance: 9 miles / 14.5 km | Difficulty: Moderate

Description: A popular and scenic walk from Henley-on-Thames to Marlow. We will follow the river through wooded banks, open reaches and peaceful riverside villages. Leaving Henley’s busy waterfront behind, the path soon feels quieter as it passes rowing reaches and Temple Island, gentle curves of river and views towards the Hambleden Hills. The route remains close to the water for much of the way, passing Hambleden Lock and its historic mill, with a calm, timeless atmosphere and frequent boats on the river. We briefly leave the riverbank to pass through the hamlet of Aston and Culham Park, before rejoining the riverside path through the meadows to Frogmill and Hurley.  The path continues along the riverbank to join the Thames Path diversion route through Temple and Bisham.  The magnificent Marlow Bridge is then crossed to reach our finish point in Higginson’s Park, Marlow. Locks: Hambleden, Hurley, Temple.

Start: Henley-on-Thames - Pavillion in Mill Meadows. What3words ///chitchat.ferrets.braced

Finish: Marlow - Higgingson Meadow. What3words ///pavement.polar.exact

How to get here:

• Train: GWR services via Twyford to London Paddington, Reading, Didcot, Swindon and Oxford (also GWR services to Marlow)

• Car: Henley Station car park (chareges apply). Mill Lane Car Park (free), Mill Lane, Henley, RG9 4HD. Or, Park in Malow and bus to Henley.

• Bus: • Carousel 850 High Wycombe ↔ Marlow ↔ Henley ↔ Twyford ↔ Reading • Thames Travel 33 – Wallingford ↔ Henley