Riverside walks to enjoy this summer on the ‘Costa del Chilterns’
With so many people unsure about holiday plans and big trips on hold you may think that the inflatable will not get an outing this year. However, don’t put the pump away just yet. Here is Chiltern Relocation’s top riverside walks in the area. If you are not getting the chance to be ‘beside the sea beside the sea’ then why not look closer to home with some fabulous walks along the riverside – some which will afford a spot of paddling and fun with an inflatable.
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.
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.
