If you want to keep a secret, you must also hide it from yourself.

A walk in the footsteps of George Orwell

A journey of discovery in the footsteps of a young George Orwell (Eric Blair) and through his lost 'Golden Country'.  Along the way we hint at various aspects of Orwell's life and work, share his interest in natural history, and reveal how his childhood here in the Oxforshire countryside around Henley may have influenced some of his writing.  2025 marked 75 years since Orwell's death and his works remain ever popular. We start our walk from Shiplake Station along the Thames Path National Trail.  The river is where the young Orwell (Eric Blair) loved to fish.  We then head up the hill towards Binfield Heath and through bluebell woods where 1984 hero Winston would go to escape the Thought Police.  Returning to Shiplake, we pass the house where Orwell once lived.  

For a longer walk option, the route may be extended to Crowsley Park to discover a ‘listening station’ with echoes of Big Brother.  There may be the opportunity to pause for a drink at the Bottle & Glass Inn (with Orwell’s approval!)

We offer flexible booking on this walk - get in touch to agree a date.

Walk Fee: £35 pp (half day walk) | £50 pp (extended walk)

What will it be like?

• 7.5 miles / 12 km [11 miles / 17.5 km extended walk]

• Approx. 4.5 hrs [7 hrs extended walk] duration

• A fairly strenuous walk at a moderate pace with stops at points of interest along the way

• Mostly good paths and tracks over meadows, fields and through woodland but narrow and uneven in parts and can be muddy. Some walking on rural lanes

• Undulating terrain – total ascent/descent 279 ft / 85 m [extended walk 560 ft / 171 m]

Young people aged 14 + welcome but must be capable of walking the distance, and must be accompanied by an adult who is responsible for them at all times during the walk.

What do I need?

Participants should dress appropriately for a walk in the countryside (it may be muddy), and having regard to the weather on the day. We recommend:

• A good, comfortable pair of walking shoes or boots

• Comfortable outdoor clothing, including waterproofs in case of rain

• A small rucksack for personal provisions, including food and water, personal first aid, and any medication, if required.

We will have a mid-walk snack break (picnic on longer walk - please bring with you). Village shop and pub (Baskerville Arms) in Shiplake at start/end of walk. On the extended walk, there may also be an opportunity for a short refreshment break at the Bottle & Glass Inn, Binfield Heath (pay locally).

Can I bring my dog?

Sorry, we do not permit dogs on this walk.

Health & Risk Declaration:

When booking and participating in our activities you acknowledge that walking, like all outdoor activity, has a danger of personal injury. There are many variables including, but not limited to, weather, personal fitness level, terrain features and outdoor experience that must be considered prior to walking. You voluntarily choose to take part and are aware of and accept these risks and are responsible for your own actions and involvement.

Please read the walk description carefully. Your booking, and participation on the day, are accepted on the understanding that you, and those you are booking on behalf of, are medically and physically fit to take part in the activity. You undertake to inform us if you have any medical or physical condition which may impact on your ability, or the ability of the group, to safely take part in the activity. If you have any concerns you should discuss this with us prior to booking and participating.

COVID-19 Risk - If you think you may have any symptoms linked to COVID-19, or have recently been exposed to the virus, do not come to the course. Remember to check government advice.

Further Information:

Please read the ‘Need to Know’ page which sets out the Terms and Conditions which you, and those you are booking on behalf of, agree to be bound by when booking and participating in our activities. You will be asked to expressly agree to the terms when you book this walk.

Where to Meet

Meet at Shiplake Station, Lower Shiplake, RG9 3NY

OS Map Exp Map 171 GR: SU 7876 797

Small station car park or limited parking in Shiplake village

Participants are responsible for their own travel to/from the agreed meet point for this walk.  Cars are left at owners own risk.

Bus & Train: 

Bus: 28 ‘Aqua’ (Reading Bus) Reading - Henley. Alight at Station Road, Lower Shiplake
Train: GWR Henley branch line – change at Twyford for London to Reading

Weather:

We will review the weather forecast the day before and will contact you if we have to change our plans. This, however, is only likely if we consider the weather conditions to be a real risk to our safety. Please ensure that you check the weather forecast for yourself and come prepared for whatever the weather! No refunds will be made if you decide not to walk due to weather conditions. If you need advice, please get in touch.

Cancellation:

By Us: In the rare case that we have to cancel and event, you will be notified by email and offered a full refund or transfer to another activity.

By You: We require 21 days cancellation notice prior to the event, otherwise we will charge you a cancellation fee as below, less payment processing fees.

• 50% of the total paid minus any booking fee where cancellation takes place between 1 and 3 weeks prior to the day of the walk; or

• 100% of the total course fee where cancellation takes place within the final week before the commencement of the walk; or

• We will accept reasonable requests to transfer to another programmed activity. Such requests must be made in writing at least 7 days prior to the booked activity and are subject to a £5 fee.