Henley-on-Thames to Marlow (River Thames, Chiltern Hills and woods), 18.5km

Visit Henley-on-Thames, a beautiful town on the River Thames in Oxfordshire; it has a pretty riverside location next to the Chiltern Hills, which is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The town’s historic heart sits close to the river with many locations designated ‘of special architectural or historical interest’ such as St Mary’s Church and the 18th century stone bridge. Henley is internationally famous for its rowing regatta, the Henley Royal Regatta.

Walk along this beautiful stretch of the river - along the way you're bound to see rowers on the water. As we admire the grand houses along the banks of the Thames, we'll pass a small island in the middle of the river called Temple Island with an elegant ornamental temple constructed in 1771 - it offers a unique fairytale venue for wedding receptions and family parties.

When we reach Hambleden Lock, we come across a long weir with a walkway over it which we use to cross to the other side. The weir has quite a bit of history; it was redeveloped to create a wave with canoeists in mind - a very picturesque river crossing.

The lock is named after the little village of Hambleden, a mile to the north. Our walk continues to this picturesque rural village which is a popular film location, with movie and TV producers coming here often to capture its essence on camera. It's known for films such as Tim Burton's Sleepy Hollow (starring Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Disney's Enchanted sequel (starring Patrick Dempsey and Amy Adams) and TV series such as Agatha Christie's Poirot and Amazon's Good Omens (starring David Tennant).

On leaving this charming village, we ascend into the beautiful Chiltern hills, before eventually returning to the river and walking along its banks towards Marlow, soaking up the gorgeous views along the way.

Marlow has a lovely location on the River Thames alongside the woodlands of the Chiltern Hills. The vibrant and charming Georgian market town has a lively town centre made up of historic streets with boutique shops, restaurants, and bistros. The town’s main landmark is its suspension bridge (opened in 1832) spanning the river and joining the counties of Buckinghamshire and Berkshire. In the past Marlow became known as a fashionable riverside resort and attracted famous people such as Jerome K. Jerome, T.S. Eliot and Mary Shelley, who completed her masterpiece, Frankenstein, while living here.

Cost: £4 organiser fee payable on RSVP

Start time: 9:30am

Start location: Henley-on-Thames station (my mobile: 07951673142)

End location: Marlow - Higginson Park SL7 2AE (near the waterfront/suspension bridge). Marlow station is a 10min walk away

Length: 18.5km

Ascent: 150m

Time: approx 6 - 6.5 hrs. It’s not possible to guarantee an exact end time as it depends on the weather, pace of the group, and our breaks along the way.

Pace: relaxed - we will not be zooming along in a mad rush. The aim is to enjoy being outdoors in nature and have a fun, friendly day. There is a bit of an ascent when we reach the hills but nothing too strenuous - overall the hike is suitable for beginners.

Transport (train): The 8.36am train from London Paddington reaches Henley-on-Thames at 9:27am. This is a linear hike so your return to London is from Marlow station. You could coordinate with other participants and buy a group saver ticket.

Transport (car): If you're driving, there are chargeable car parks close to the station. However, as it's Sunday, there should be free parking on the roads around the station (check the signs). After the hike, you'll have to get a cab, bus or train back from Marlow.

Transport (car share): I'll be driving from Ealing, West London and have space for 3 passengers. Please contact me if you'd like to car share.

What to bring:
Check the weather and bring appropriate gear. A comfortable backpack, waterproof jacket, sufficient food, snacks, and water along with suitable socks and footwear (waterproof hiking boots) are some essentials. Walkways and trails can be steep, muddy, and slippery and boots with ankle support will be useful, as well as hiking poles. Gaitors are handy when its muddy and wet. Carrying waterproof socks in your backpack is a good idea in case your boots get wet from the inside. Don't wear inappropriate clothing such as jeans and sneakers. Remember to carry any medication you may require. If it’s sunny, don’t forget a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen!

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER / TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
By participating, you confirm you have read, understood and accepted the below, including the full Terms and Conditions
I am NOT a qualified hike leader or first aider.
Hiking, walking, and hill walking carry the risk of personal injury and death. Participants must be aware of, and accept, the risks. Participants are responsible for their own safety and actions and agree not to hold me responsible or liable for any injury (or death), damage or losses incurred either directly or indirectly from their participation in group events. This group is for people 18 years old and over.