We are the North East London Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Annette W.
There is a limit of 20 people for this walk and booking is essential. Please book your place after 7 March by using the email contact link above the map.
Catch the 09.08 train from Paddington, arriving Maidenhead at 09.30. Sit in the second carriage from the front of the train and change swiftly for the 09.34 train to Marlow from platform 5B. The train arrives in Marlow at 09.57.
The Thames Branches Day Ranger is £18.30 with the Network/Senior Railcard discount and it covers all the route and branch lines between Paddington and Reading, but it does not give Oyster or Freedom Pass discounts. It would be cheaper for those who have a Freedom Pass (or 60+ Oyster) and a Senior/Network Railcard to buy a return to Henley-on-Thames from Boundary Zone 6 (West Drayton) plus a single from Maidenhead to Marlow. I paid £13.85 when I bought these tickets online.
This is a varied walk with hills, descents and great views. We avoid the Thames and climb up to reach the Chiltern Way, then walk through woodlands, cultivated fields and pasture, climbing another hill. Lunch is at the Stag & Huntsman in Hambleden, after 5.4 miles, and there are benches nearby for those with picnics. If you want a pub lunch, please email Annette by close on Wednesday 1 April at the latest. The village shop sells hot drinks, toasties and cakes. If eating outdoors beware of diving red kites, trying to take your lunch.
After lunch we walk to Mill End, pass a bus stop and cross the Thames via bridges over the weir and lock, then we have one more hill. Finally, we descend on a lane and follow the Thames into Henley, where there is a possibility of tea. Return trains are at 00 and 30 minutes past the hour.
Walking boots are essential, as we will be on rough footpaths. Poles would be useful on a couple of descents in the morning.
There are no toilets in Marlow Station, but we soon reach some in the town. The toilets opposite Henley Station are usually vile. It's better to use those at Twyford, where we change trains, or on the train.
It's possible to shorten the walk by taking a bus from Mill End to Henley, after 6.4 miles. The 850 bus is at 06 and 36 minutes past the hour.
I checked the walk on 24 March and the route was dry.
Meet at Paddington Station in time to catch the 09.08 train
Marlow Station
