(S) From the station go west along Datchet Road. After 100 yards turn right into Thames Street and continue straight on towards the pedestrian bridge to Eton then turn left into Brocas Street. From here we follow the Thames Path all the way to the finish.
(1) Continue along Brocas Street and straight on past the Waterman's Arms, staying left of the pub. At the Eton College Boathouse, take the narrow alleyway to its right. Follow this past some cottages to the large open meadow of The Brocas. On reaching the meadow, veer left towards the river and follow the Thames Towpath west. The Thames Path from Eton to Maidenhead is peaceful, but the towpath can be narrow and in places congested. Follows the path next to the river across The Brocas.
(2) At 0.57 miles the path passes under Brunel's railway bridge. Then soon over a footbridge to and then over another footbridge. After another 200 yards the Thames Path passes under a large road bridge. Stay straight on. 60 yards after the road bridge, with a large meadow in front, take the well-defined path to the right. This is the main path and a shortcut across the island. Some may choose to follow the grassy path around the shore but this does add a few hundred yards to the distance.
(3) The path eventually leads to a footbridge (at 1 mile) across a stream to leave the island. From here, stay left along the towpath following the bank of to the river.
(4) At Boveney Lock (at 1.85 miles) keep straight on through the gate and past the lock, staying on a narrow path next to the river. NOTE: Do not take the lane on the right.
(5) 420 yards past the lock is an open grassy area with a bench and an old church to our right. From the church of St Mary Magdalene at Boveney stay straight on along the Thames Path for 4.25 miles to just after Brunel's railway bridge at Maidenhead.
(6) When passing Maidenhead Railway Bridge (at 6.5 miles) use the walkway under the arch. 150 yards after the bridge turn left through a gate, signed Thames Path. Follow the path to the river, then past Maidenhead Rowing Club and under Maidenhead Bridge.
(7) Once under the bridge veer right and go through a gate, then right along the pavement up to the bridge and right again to follow the pavement across the bridge. Once over the bridge turn right on a path through a small riverside park named Bridge Gardens. Follow the path diagonally across the park to Ray Mead Road. Turn right along the pavement staying on the right hand side. After passing four houses and a wide gate turn right onto a path between houses and back onto the towpath. On reaching the river turn left along the towpath, passing Boulters Lock after another 0.6 miles.
(8) 200 yards after Boulters Lock the Thames parts company with the road. Follow the Thames Path as it veers off to the right and stays with the river for the next 1.5 miles on its way towards Cookham. At 9 miles the path turns left away from the river and towards Cookham.
(9) Turn left along Mill Lane, finger-posted Thames Path.
(10) On reaching a T-junction with the main road (A4094, Sutton Road), cross straight over (with extreme care) and turn right along the pavement and through Cookham village. On passing Cookham High Street (to our left), Sutton Road becomes Ferry Lane. Continue straight on along Ferry Lane, turning first right and then veering left past the Tarry Stone. After just a few extra yards turn left into Church Gate.
(11) After just a few yards turn right through a wooden gate. Follow the left of the two paths across the graveyard and past the tower of the Church. The path leaves the churchyard and passes through an open area and onto the riverside (at 10 miles).
(12) Turn left along the Thames Path keeping the river to your right hand side. Follow the Thames Path upstream along the towpath in the opposite direction to Cookham Bridge.
(13) After a mile follow the Thames Path under the railway bridge, then immediately turn left to climb up and cross the River Thames to Bourne End using the footbridge attached to the side of the iron railway bridge. Once over the river climb back down to the Thames Path.
If you are finishing your walk here Then Bourne End Station is just a short walk and where there are both train and bus services (see BusTimes and Traveline). To get there - Go under the railway bridge, then left up some steps and onto a path that leads to the station car park. Go straight on through the car park and past an auction room. Bourne End Station is just to the left.(E)
