Choco-Train (in Shiplake & Peppard) (joint with CYW/HO/SYW), 11.5 miles, moderate

Calendar

When:

February 25, 2023 @ 10:30 am

2023-02-25T10:30:00+00:00

2023-02-25T10:45:00+00:00

Where:

Shiplake Train Station
Shiplake
Lower Shiplake, Henley-on-Thames RG9 3LF
UK

Contact:

Angela & Jack

Walk

Circular joint Chilterns joint Oxon joint Surrey medium pace moderate public transport Walk

This is the second training walk in the series leading up to the big 30 Miles for 30th Birthday, going from Shiplake to Peppard and back via the Chocolate Café in Henley-on-Thames. Anyone is welcome to join, whether or not you intend to train-up for the big 30 miler.

This is a joint walk with Chiltern Young Walkers, Hike Oxfordshire and Surrey Young Walkers. Advance booking is not required, but if you plan on attending this walk, please indicate this on Meetup if you can, so others can see that there will be plenty of people going.

Pace: medium.

Walk details

Who doesn’t love chocolate? Who doesn’t love training for a long summer walk in winter with a chocolate cafe stop near the end?

We will make a brisk start from Shiplake and head towards Rotherfield Peppard on the Chiltern Way. There is an option to get a take-away coffee and cake at the Bottle & Glass Inn at Binsfield Heath, around 3 miles into the walk. Don’t fill up too much if you intend to stick around for the (in)famous Chocolate Café in Henley-on-Thames!

After a brief stop we will cross Crowsley Park woods and make our way to the lunch stop at Greys Green. We will then diverge from the Chiltern Way and make our way to Henley via a beautiful stretch of open field surrounded by a ridge, skirting the Hernes Estate and passing Henley College.

For those chocoholics (including the walk leaders), we will stop at the Chocolate Café for much needed glucose replenishment. There is an option to take the train back to Shiplake (or your home destination) from Henley if you do not wish to do the last 2.5 miles of the walk.

For those staying, we will head back to Shiplake via the Thames Path, taking in the stunning scenery as we head out of Henley.

Travel details

By public transport

If coming from Reading, please get the 9:54 and change at Twyford to get the 10:15 which will get into Shiplake at 10:22.

From Henley, please get the 10:30 getting into Shiplake at 10:34.

If coming from Oxford, please get the 9:15 then follow the recommended times from Reading described above.

From Didcot, please get the 9:08 then also follow the recommended above times from Reading.

From Guildford and Surrey, unfortunately there are more restricted options given a bus replacement service is operating between Guildford and Reading on the day of the walk. The best option is to get the 8:30 bus replacement service from Guildford which gets into Reading at 9:30. Please then follow the recommended times from Reading above.

By car

There is parking available at Shiplake station, however this is very limited. Thus you are recommended to park either in Henley or Twyford where charges apply then get the train to Shiplake for the walk start. Parking at the former may be useful if you are planning on doing the shorter option.

Notes

Please bring a packed lunch and a drink.
It might be muddy – please wear suitable footwear.
Please feel free to contact the leader with queries about the walk, or if you are delayed on the day.

Booking onto a walk

Most walks do not require advance booking, and you can just turn up on the day. We encourage those comfortable with Meetup to indicate there that you plan to come though, so that others can see there will be plenty of people there – this really helps to encourage new members to come along.
For the few which still have limited numbers, this is handled via Meetup. Follow the link to a walk’s Meetup page (or press 🎟 Register / 🎟 Tickets / 🎟), and mark yourself as attending.
Social and other events may have their own booking system – please see the event description.

Pace Guide

Gentle: led at a gentle pace with regular short breaks for water or rest. Should be suitable for anyone capable of the distance. (Expect 2–2.5 mph.)
Medium: led at an intermediate pace with fewer breaks but still suitable for most walkers. (Expect 2.5–3 mph.)
Fast: led at a quick pace with minimal breaks. May be a challenge for those with less fitness. (Expect 3 mph+.)

Speeds quoted are only a rough guide, including time spent on short water/rest stops and negotiating stiles/gates/roads etc. but not that spent on longer lunch or pub stops.