Riverside walks to enjoy this summer on the ‘Costa del Chilterns’

We are lucky to live within easy reach of the river from right here in the Chilterns. Whether it is walking near The Thames at Marlow or Henley or near some of the lesser-known towns such as Medmenham or Bourne End there are a huge range of spots to enjoy the riverside vibe.  When the sun is out nothing beats being by the water watching people kayak, paddleboard or sail past. With a range of local pubs riverside, it makes for a perfect day out.

Here is Chiltern Relocation’s top riverside walks in the area. 

Hambledon to Henley circular walk

This Hambleden walk is a picture-perfect, the village which has been used as a location for many films including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, 101 Dalmatians and Band of Brothers amongst many others.  Visitors can park in the village and stroll past the 12th century church to start the walk along the Thames. The walk towards Henley is mainly along the river and you can stop and picnic alongside the river bank and paddle in the shallow sandy water.  Many the inflatable pink flamingo can be spotted bobbing along at the river’s edge on a warm day.  Walkers will pass the neo-classical folly on Temple Island, 2km downstream from Henley, which was built in 1771 by James Wyatt as a fishing lodge for Fawley Court – a Christopher Wren designed mansion further down the river. It was the first example in England of the so-called Etruscan style. Today the island is owned by the Henley Regatta, and is rented out for corporate entertaining.

Many impressive river boats glide up and down this stretch giving it a real holiday feel. On arriving at Henley-on-Thames, you cross the bridge to enjoy the walk back along the opposite side of the Thames Path. On arriving back at Hambleden you will often find more picnic’ers and paddlers who have set up at the side of the river on the outskirts of the village.

Jubilee River to Dorney Lake and Eton Wick

Dorney Lake is best known as the Olympic rowing lake for the 2012 Games. This walk sets off from the fabulous Dorney Court garden centre and passes alongside the back of the Olympic Lake before dropping down to The Jubilee River. Here walkers can enjoy watching many riverside craft head up and down the tranquil river stretch in addition to looking across the river to the stunning hotels on the other side of the river. At the end of the river stretch by Dorney Reach you head inland to walk across Fifield Common with free grazing cows before heading back to the garden centre to enjoy something from their delicious café or for a spot of retail therapy.

Marlow to Hurley lock circular walk

This easy riverside walk takes you from Marlow to Hurley along the Thames Path. The route runs for a distance of just over 2miles on flat pathways. The walk starts on Marlow Bridge and heads east past the delightful Higginson Park which is worth a small detour. The riverside park is a popular local attraction with its pretty gardens and maze.

The path continues to Temple Lock and Temple Lock Island – a scenic spot on the river, having first built by the Thames Navigation Commissioners in 1773. Shortly after passing the lock you come to Hurley Lock. Here the river splits into a number of channels with several weirs between wooded islands. On one of the islands there are picnic facilities and a gradual incline into shallow water making it suitable for children to paddle and more inflatables can be spotted in this idyllic spot. This spot is also popular with stand-up paddle boarders.

Bourne End to Marlow

This lovely walk starting from the Spade Oak car park in Bourne End. Walkers can enjoy a cool treat from Franca’s ice cream van that is parked up in summer months before heading right towards Marlow along the riverbank. Just steps from the ice cream van is a popular spot where day trippers enjoy setting up camp with inflatable canoes and stand up paddle boards and the odd inflatable flamingo.  Walkers can enjoy the stroll through fields along the riverside to Marlow where you can grab a bite to eat and enjoy this cosmopolitan town before heading back along the river.  There is a train service between Bourne End and Marlow so you can just hop on the train back to base if preferred.

Walkers can also turn left from the Spade Oak starting point past Upper Thames Sailing Club which is always a hive of activity. Walkers can then cross the footbridge over to Cookham and enjoy the other side of the Thames path. Cookham has an enchanting High Street and is well worth a visit.

Bourne End is also home to the iconic The Bounty pub which can only be accessed by crossing the river over the footbridge or by sailing/paddleboarding or kayaking up to the riverside bar. This pub is a local institution and has a lovely relaxed vibe for post work drinks during the week or family outings at the weekend. The Spade Oak pub at the start point is always popular too.

If you are thinking of moving to the area to enjoy riverside living then please do get in contact. Call 01494 672086, email enquiries@chilternrelocation.com or visit our site for more information www.chilternrelocation.com