Temple Lock Footbridge across the Thames has been closed for years, necessitating a long, uninspiring and map-led diversion, so consequently this walk has not been posted since 2022. But now help is at hand, in the guise of Bryan Ferry the ferry (https://www.facebook.com/people/Bryan-Ferry-the-Ferry/61567374021647/). This runs from 10.00-16.00 at a price of £2.50 per head (cash only, presumably).
Follow the Thames along the Thames Path for the first 8 kilometres, where the river is lazily meandering between pleasant meadows and under overhanging trees, occasionally overlooked by fine old manor houses, while passing the ancient village of Hurley, a former Benedictine monastery. Lunch is in Aston or Hambleden, both quaint riverside villages.
By contrast, the afternoon takes you up over the wooded hills (passing through Homefield Wood, which in July is a prime spot for the silver-washed fritillary butterfly), and then back down into the well-preserved Georgian town of Marlow for tea.
t=2.8
#2026-07-11T09:08
8 comments:
As this is not a late start, I will not be looking for an earlier train!
For anyone attempting this walk, the scheduled 9:08 GWR train is not stopping in Maidenhead. Some of us will start this walk an hour later.
Alternative options are take the Elizabeth Line now and wait in Maidenhead or hang out at Paddington hoping that the next Didicot Parkway train will stop there. In any case, it implies a later start.
There is Elizabeth line to Maidenhead c 09.30.
There are a few of us aiming to get the 10.34 from Maidenhead to Marlow.
Will wait for you all at Marlow! Alight at Slough and take Elizabeth line to Maidenhead!
Oliver and I are at Strawberry Grove on the High street
N=10
The day began with an early reminder that Britain’s transport infrastructure prefers a gentle pace in very hot weather. Heat-related speed restrictions delayed our journey from the outset, and those arriving at Paddington soon discovered that our intended train had quietly abandoned the idea of stopping at Maidenhead altogether. When trains have to slow down, it seems some stations simply become optional.
Plan B was swiftly deployed, and we boarded the Elizabeth line instead. The only downside was that this left us with a train to Marlow departing an hour later than originally planned.
Fortunately, several walkers had already reached Marlow, had read the updates, and sensibly spent the extra time enjoying refreshments, though, allegedly, only after overcoming their own logistical challenges.
Eventually, all ten walkers assembled and set off.
Our next obstacle appeared almost immediately. The ferry across the Thames, Brian Ferry the Ferry, was nowhere to be seen. Considerable enthusiasm was invested in waving the signal flag, but to no avail, and with steadily waning optimism.
At last, Brian Ferry the Ferry emerged and carried nine of us across the Thames.
Nine, as one walker, worn down by the heat and the delay, simply swam across instead. The rest of us observed from the opposite bank, feeling equally envious and apprehensive.
With the ferry drama behind us, attention turned to a far more pressing deadline: reaching the pub in Hambleden before the kitchen closed. This became something of a tactical march across open fields and meadows under an unrelenting summer sun. Red kites circled overhead in impressive numbers, perhaps patiently waiting for overheated walkers, or at least smaller mammals, to surrender to the conditions. Fortunately, we remained determined not to become lunch, but simply to have lunch.
Our efforts paid off. We arrived at exactly 2:00 pm, with thirty minutes to spare before the kitchen closed.
Seven walkers opted for lunch. The food arrived quickly and was well received, although the prices suggested that Hambleden’s property values had found their way onto the menu as well. The local brewery’s offerings also proved popular.
After lunch, seven refreshed walkers continued the route. The reward of woodland shade, however, first had to be earned by climbing the day’s principal hill. Once the ascent was behind us, we enjoyed a spectacular stretch through cool forest before emerging once again into fields and meadows. Our amphibious walker even found time to take a few selfies with some curious local cows.
Another highlight was spotting a beautiful herd of white deer grazing within one of the area’s grand country estates.
Back in Marlow, there was just enough time for well-earned drinks before boarding the 6:00 pm train home.
Most walkers completed the main route; one peeled off to catch a bus to Henley, while another reached Marlow via the alternative ending, although they were not especially impressed by that particular stretch of the route.
Post a Comment