Exploring Shiplake, Harpsden and The Chiltern Way, 8 miles, easy/moderate

Calendar

When:

February 24, 2024 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

2024-02-24T11:00:00+00:00

2024-02-24T15:00:00+00:00

Where:

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

Contact:

Jason

Walk

Circular easy/moderate gentle pace public transport Walk

This will be the first time I’ve led a walk from Shiplake station! The walk will give us chance to walk part of the River Thames. Skirt along the footpaths on the end of Henley-On-Thames and follow Peppard Lane and onto Gillots Field. We get to follow the Chiltern Way for a good section of the walk.

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: gentle.

Walk details

We start from Shiplake Station and head off towards the River Thames, passing some very large houses (how do people afford these places?)

While out walking, we might get to see some trains! One of the big houses has a miniature railway around the garden that we pass. I had intended for the walk to go across the wooden walkway over the Thames but this has been closed off until further notice – so a diversion it is!

We head up towards Henley but sticking to the path that skirts along the edge. We follow Peppard Lane past Harpsden Height (more big posh houses).

Our lunch stop will be Gillots Field. After lunch we head off across the country side. Joining up with the Chiltern Way, we head past Crowsley Park and through Gillsmithers Woods (what a great name). Spring is well in the air now and the tress and bushes are showing signs of new growth.

If we have time we may get to stop at the Bottle and Glass Inn for a well deserved refreshment.

We now just follow the Chiltern Way all the way back to the start at Shiplake station.

Travel details

By public transport

If you are travelling from Reading catch the 10.29am which arrives in Twyford at 10.34am. You will need to catch the 10.45am from Twyford to Shiplake arriving at 10.52am.

By car

Parking is available at Shiplake Station. Parking may also be available in the local streets.

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.