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Berkshire Walkers (Group)

A 20s and 30s Ramblers group.

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking
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Overview

A 9.5-mile circular walk from Cookham, taking in the River Thames, ancient woodland, village commons, and the scenic Winter Hill.

Advance booking is not required, but if you plan on attending this walk, please indicate this on Meetup if you can (see Website link), so others can see that there will be plenty of people going.

Pace: medium.

Sunday, 6 July 2025
Start time:
11:15 am
Estimated finish time:
4:15 pm
Difficulty:
Moderate
Distance:
15.3km / 9.5mi
Ascent:
173.1m / 568ft
Type:
circular

Walk details

We begin at Cookham Station, heading out through open farmland and skirting Strand Water, where we pass a bear eating an ice cream. From here we join a flat and picturesque stretch of the River Thames, following it for a while before reaching the base of Winter Hill, where we’ll stop for lunch.

After lunch, we make a gentle climb up Winter Hill, rewarded with expansive views across the Thames Valley. From the top, we descend into Bisham Woods, a richly biodiverse ancient woodland believed to have inspired the “Wild Wood” in The Wind in the Willows (1908) by Kenneth Grahame. With its rustling canopy, varied tree species, and occasional glimpses of wildlife, it’s not hard to imagine Mole and Badger nearby.

Exiting the woods, we cross Cookham Dean Common and, if space and weather permits, pause for a drink at the Jolly Farmer pub (as it is a Sunday, the pub may be busy with lunch).

From here, it is just over a mile back to Cookham Station, where trains run hourly. A Costa Coffee at the station offers a convenient spot to wait depending on timings.

Travel details

By public transport

The train from Reading (via Maidenhead) arrives at 11:10

By car

Parking is available at the station (£1.80) or at the Cookham Moor National Trust car park (£2) which is a 10 minute walk away

Dogs

Dogs allowed provided they are kept on a lead at all times.

Please see our dogs policy on our group website for more details.

Notes

  • Please bring a packed lunch and plenty of water.

Please see our group website for more information: https://www.berkshirewalkers.co.uk/

Features

  • Refreshments available (Pub/cafe)
  • Accessible by public transport
  • Car parking available
  • No car needed

Starting point

Grid reference:
SU 88696 85008
Nearest postcode:
SL6 9BR
what3words:
habits.inherits.hillsides
Start time:
11:15 am

Meet outside Cookham Station entrance

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking