We are the West London Ramblers, mainly covering Ealing and Hounslow, but open to all. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Roger W.
We start from the bottom of the stairs of the extreme west-side platform of Goring station, pass through Goring, join the Thames path, then continue to the Hartslock Nature Reserve.
The Hartslock Nature Reserve has been owned by the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust since 1975, and it was given ‘Site of Special Scientific Interest’ status in 1986 to preserve the orchids that are found there. There are 7 or 8 orchid varieties or hybrids growing there, and at the time of our visit we should see the Monkey orchid and the Lady orchid, possibly the Monkey/Lady orchid hybrid, and maybe even the green Twayblade orchid and the white Helleborine orchid. (Other varieties are the Military orchid, the Bee orchid and the Common Spotted orchid)
We will only spend about 20 minutes there, then continue to Whitchurch Hill for a picnic lunch in the grounds of the St John the Baptist church or the adjacent village green, both of which have benches, but no toilets. After lunch we continue for about half an hour to reach the Sun public house for an afternoon drink (and toilets).
Then the final 3.25 miles back, crossing the Thames to end at Pangbourne station.
Toilets on the London bound (east-side) platform at Goring station and at the pub after lunch.
Catch the 9.26 from Ealing Broadway to transfer to the 10.22 from Reading. arriving in Goring at 10.37. Can also catch the direct train at 9.38 from Paddington or the later 9.52 from Paddington changing at Reading.
Get a return ticket to Goring and Streatley station.
At the bottom of the stairs of the extreme west-side platform of Goring station
Pangbourne station
