The Walks

Fri 12th June - Oxford to Abingdon (Relay Leg 8)

Start time: 9:30 am | Duration: Approx. 4.5 hrs | Distance: 9.5 miles (15km) | Difficulty: moderate

Description: Todays walk starts within our first main city on the river, Oxford, at Osney Bridge but as we wind our way towards Abingdon it soon finds open meadows again as it eases away from Oxford. Leaving the city behind, the path passes willow-lined banks, quiet backwaters and wide meadows, with the steady flow of the Thames creating a calm, unhurried atmosphere. The route feels increasingly rural, with expansive views and abundant wildlife, before reaching Rye Farm Meadow on the edge of Abingdon, where the town’s historic connection to the river becomes gently apparent once again.

Start: Oxford - Osney Bridge, Botley Rd. What3words///solar.tidy.invest

Finish: Abingdon - Rye Farm Meadows Car Park. What3words///moth.major.basis

How to get here:

• Bus: • X1 / X2 / X3 (Abingdon ↔ Oxford) • S1 (Oxford ↔ Eynsham ↔ Witney ↔ Carterton) • E1 (Oxford ↔ Eynsham ↔ Witney) • 4A / 4B (Osney Island ↔ Botley / Harcourt Hill) • 63 / 63S (Oxford ↔ Longworth)

• Train: Oxford Railway station - 10-15 minute walk to the bridge.

• Car: We suggest parking at Rye Farm Meadows, Abingdon then bus to Oxford.

Wed 17th June - Caversham Bridge to Henley-on-Thames (Relay Leg 13)

Start time: 9:15 am | Duration: Approx. 6.5 hrs | Distance: 11.7 miles / 18.8 km | Difficulty: Moderate/hard (due to length)

Description: The Thames Path from Caversham Bridge to Henley-on-Thames is a varied and engaging walk as the river winds through a mix of suburbia, villages and classic Thames scenery. Leaving Reading behind, the path soon feels greener and more relaxed, passing wooded banks, meadows and riverside estates as it approaches Sonning. From this point the walk is especially attractive, with broad reaches of river, elegant houses, pleasure boats and open countryside. After Shiplake the trail follows a diversion through Harpsden Woods before arriving at Henley, where bridges, boathouses and the town’s strong rowing heritage give the Thames a lively, celebratory feel.

Start: Caversham Bridge (in the green space just before the bridge, by Reading Rowing Club).What3words///myself.aware.song

Finish: Henley - Pavillion in Mill Meadows.What3words///chitchat.ferrets.braced

How to get here:

• Train: Excellent rail connections from London Paddington, Oxford, Didcot, Newbury, Swindon, Bristol. 10 min walk to start point.

• Bus: • Reading Bus Aqua 28 (Reading/Caversham ↔ Henley) • Reading Bus 23/24/25 also pass the near to the start point.

• Car: Various car parks available - Riverside (Thames Side) Car Park, Richfield Avenue (RG1).

Thursday 18th June - Henley to Marlow (Relay Leg 14)

Start time: 9:30 am | Duration: Approx. 5 hrs | Distance: 9 miles / 14.5 km | Difficulty: Moderate

Description: A popular and scenic walk from Henley-on-Thames to Marlow. We will follow the river through wooded banks, open reaches and peaceful riverside villages. Leaving Henley’s busy waterfront behind, the path soon feels quieter as it passes rowing reaches, gentle curves of river and views towards the Hambleden Hills. The route remains close to the water for much of the way, passing Hurley Lock and its historic mill, with a calm, timeless atmosphere and frequent boats on the river. As Marlow approaches, elegant houses and the graceful suspension bridge come into view, marking a lively and attractive finish to one of the most enjoyable sections of the Thames Path.

Transport:

• Train: GWR services via Twyford to London Paddington, Reading, Didcot, Swindon and Oxford

• Car: Henley Station car park (chareges apply). Mill Lane Car Park (free), Mill Lane, Henley, RG9 4HD. Or, Park in Malow and bus to Henley.

• Bus: • X40 / NX40 (River Rapids) Oxford ↔ Wallingford ↔ Henley ↔ Reading • 33 – Wallingford ↔ Henley • 800 – High Wycombe ↔ Henley