Wednesday Walk: Henley circular via Hambleden

14.9 km (9.2 miles) 3/10

Often posted as a walk to Marlow but let's do the circular via Hambleden and back via Aston and the ridge above Remenham this time.

Travel: Get the 1008 from Paddington, changing at Twyford (1041/1045) to arrive at Henley-on-Thames 10.57. Returns at 00 and 30.

Or

Using Elizabeth line, “Reading” train to Twyford, leaves Tottenham Court Road at 0942, Paddington 0948, Ealing Broadway 0956 and gets you to Twyford at 1033.

Lunch: (1) Stag & Huntsman (01491 571 221) in Hambleton (4.7 miles into walk). Please call ahead to confirm availability. (2) Hambleden Village Stores : Located 7.6km (4.7 miles) into the walk, this superior village shop serves tea, coffee, homemade cakes and delicatessen items (sometimes even soup), making it a possible light lunch or early tea stop. It is open to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 4pm Sunday. (3) The Flower Pot Hotel (01491 547 721) in Aston - which is about 7 miles into the walk – for a later lunch or afternoon refreshments.

Tea: numerous options in Henley. The Chocolate Cafe (01491 411412) and the Catherine Wheel (Wetherspoons, 01491848488) are popular with Saturday walkers.

Shorter and longer options: a shortcut to Hambleden, indicated in the walk directions, saves you 1.8km (1.1 miles), giving a total walk of 13.1 km (8.1 miles). For a slightly longer walk, carry on to Marlow instead of returning to Henley – 16.1 km (10 miles). As far as I know, the Thames path diversion south of Henley is still in place so the extension to Shiplake mentioned on the main walk page is not feasible.

L=2.7