Hillside and Riverside: Henley, Fawley, Hambleden and Remenham, 11 miles, moderate

This walk takes a mixture of open and wooded hillsides on the edge of the Chilterns between Henley and Hambleden, looping back via the Thames Path through Remenham.

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. Ascent: 210m.

Walk details

This walk heads north out of Henley into the edge of the Chilterns, through fields and tracks towards Fawley and beyond, before heading through the wooded hillsides and valleys toward Hambleden, which should be well into spring by now. After passing through the picturesque village of Hambleden (with a possible refreshment stop), we’ll continue south across the meadows alongside Hamble Brook to Mill End (where there are public toilets available) and Hambleden Lock, where we’ll cross the River Thames before following the Thames Path back through Remenham to return to Henley (where there are plenty of options for further refreshment if desired!)

There is the opportunity to shorten the walk to just over 8 miles by taking the 800 bus back to Henley (or all the way to Reading) from Mill end – however, note that you’ll have done all the ascent and rough ground by this point and it’s the easy 3 miles along the Thames Path that you’ll skip.

Travel details

By public transport

From Reading, either (a) take the 09:29 train, changing at Twyford onto the 09:45 to Henley, arriving at 09:57, and then walk about 5 minutes to the start point; or (b) take the 800 bus at 09:30 from Friar Street, getting off at Bell Street in Henley at 10:05 and walking around the corner to the start point.

By car

There are car parks available in Henley, e.g. at the station, where charges will generally apply. (The station car park has public toilets, for which there is also a charge.)

Please allow time to park, pay, do anything else you need to, and walk to the start point for the listed start time. (From the station car park, it’s about 5 minutes’ walk to the start point, but be aware that paying can sometimes take a while.

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.