A few short weeks since our last visit to Henley we were back again but the weather was kinder this time and we enjoyed lovely late summer sunshine rather than the persistent drizzle and monsoon shower. We met up at the same spot, Henley railway station for a slightly later time of 11am. This was ideal for one or two of us who perhaps over indulged a little in the previous day’s social at Ascot races! Hard luck or good luck stories were shared by those attending the Races (some of us were fortunate enough to come away with a small profit although I will try not to gloat too much!).
Anyway, the group, bolsterd by a couple of members of the Chiltern’s 20-30’s group, headed off through the town centre and picking up the footpath to the east passing Matson House and through Rememham Court, taking a small ascent through the woods and into the open. Unlike last week on our trip to Dorset when we saw hardly anyone out walking, we bumped into several other walking groups on our travels today. It was certainly a good day to be taking the fresh air.
We zigzagged our way a little bit and quite unsually our 8 miles covered quite a condensed area. It included a rather lovely field that opened out with views over the valley containing a large a number of deer.
Before long, we headed towards Aston where we were maybe thirty minutes earlier passing the Flowerpot pub. Yes, that’s right, you heard me correctly, we passed the pub and carried out through to Hambleden lock where we took our picnic lunch. There were a number of seats conveniently located which the group, by and large, made good use of. Nearby, a ice cream van was on hand. For most of us, resistance was futile and headed our way to provide the chap with our custom.
The final two miles or so was completed alongside the River Thames and the Thames path itself , a stretch of path that is popular with ramblers and dog walkers alike. As we made progress, a Jazz band broke into full swing at a private club next to the Thames. Sadly, we had no invites to the event so had to continue along to Henley where most of us took to a local hostelry to quench our thirst.
A very satisfying eight mile walk was therefore completed. A final note to say thank you to Mark who was leading a walk for us for the first time today. Look forward to the next walk maybe!