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Henley-on-Thames to Marlow along the Thames Path

Oxfordshire Walk

County/Area - Oxfordshire & Berkshire & Buckinghamshire

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 9.0 miles / 14.6 km    Ascent - 120 feet / 36 metres

Time - 4 hours 40 minutes    Grade - easy/mod

Maps Ordnance Survey Logo Anquet Maps Logo

Ordnance Survey Explorer 171Sheet Map1:25kBUY
Anquet OS Explorer 171Digital Map1:25kBUY
Ordnance Survey Explorer 172Sheet Map1:25kBUY
Anquet OS Explorer 172Digital Map1:25kBUY
Ordnance Survey Landranger 175Sheet Map1:50kBUY
Anquet OS Landranger 175Digital Map1:50kBUY

Walk Route Description

Photo from the walk - Henley-on-Thames to Marlow along the Thames Path
Click image to see photo description.

The Thames Path National Trail was first proposed in 1948 and eventually opened in 1996. It follows the length of the River Thames from its source near Kemble in Gloucestershire to the Thames Barrier at Charlton. Total length is approximately 184 miles with a considerable proportion of the path using the original towpath. This walk concentrates on the section downstream from Henley-on-Thames through to Marlow and follows a linear route. You could either use two cars, the regular bus service between the start and end or use the rail services out of London.

The start (grid ref. SU763826) is the bridge over the Thames at eastern end of Hart Street (A4130). Cross the bridge to eastern bank and, following the signs, turn left almost immediately. This takes you down to the riverbank. Walk north with the river to your left. You soon reach Remenham with Fawley Court College across the river to your left. Continuing north you pass Temple Island before the river turns south-east to reach Hambledon Lock.

Continuing on the Thames Path you reach Aston where the path turns inland (grid ref. SU786844). Turn right down the lane and proceed into Aston. Just past the road junction, turn left down the access to Holme Farm. Continue past this farm and following the clearly signed path continue until just before Lower Culham Farm, where you turn sharp left to reach the riverside again.

The route ahead needs little description and Hurley Lock is the next key objective. Here turn left over the bridge, walk along the 'island' passing the locks. Ignore the footbridge immediately after the locks and continue ahead to reach another footbridge that allows you to regain the riverside path (grid ref. 828843) on the south side of the river. Continue for approximately 600 yards to turn left over a long footbridge (grid ref. SU834843) to gain the north bank of the river. All that remains is a pleasant mile and half walk into Marlow and the end of the walk.

Other walks nearby

Walk 2051 River Thames & Hambleden from Henley-on-Thameseasy/mod7.0 miles
Walk 3128 Henley-on-Thames, Aston and Hambledeneasy/mod8.0 miles
Walk 3248 Henley-on-Thames, Rotherfield Greys & Shiplakeeasy/mod8.3 miles
Walk 1919 Henley-on-Thames, Middle Assendon and Stonormoderate14.5 miles
Walk 1954 Fingest & Turville from Hambledenmoderate11.4 miles
Walk 1966 Turville & Hambleden circularmoderate9.6 miles
Walk 3082 Sonning Eye & Shiplake circular easy5.7 miles
Walk 1982 Hurley Circulareasy5.1 miles
Walk 2398 Turville Circulareasy4.1 miles
Walk 3359 Christmas Common, Ibstone Common & Turville Heath easy/mod8.5 miles

Recommended Books & eBooks

The Thames Path Map Booklet

The Thames Path Map BookletMap of the 180 mile (288km) Thames Path National Trail, from London's Thames Barrier to the river's source near Cirencester in Gloucestershire. This booklet is included with the Cicerone guidebook to the trail, and shows the full route on OS 1:25,000 maps. The easy riverside route takes around two weeks to walk.
More information

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