Thames Valley

This circular long distance path has access points that are easily reached by train from London, Reading and adjoining stations. If time is limited it can be walked in sections at weekends and bank holidays with one or two overnight stops.

The walk passes through a variety of beautiful countryside including river valleys, chalk downland, coniferous forests, rare heath, and beech woods that are carpeted with bluebells in spring.

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

1. S

   Windsor to Sandhurst, Thames Valley

   27.59 km 197 m 158 m

   The 1rst sections of this walk follow The Three Castles Path, a long distance route inspired by the 13th century journeys undertaken by King John between his castles at Windsor, Odiham and Winchester

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2. 2

   Sandhurst to Winchfield, Thames Valley

   16.40 km 129 m 136 m

   This walk brings you along rivers and lakes with nature reserve, Charles Kingsley's church, forest and heath, stately oaks, cricketers' pub and historic church with a view. ⚠️The railway crossing into Ambarrow Court Nature Reserve is now permanently closed and the Three Castles Path has been diverted to cross the railway further north.

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3. 3

   Winchfield to Dummer, Thames Valley

   29.57 km 275 m 184 m

   On this walk, you will be able to enjoy the tranquil Norman church, the peaceful canal, a ruined castle, colony of rare bats, ancient tracks on chalk, walk downs pretty hamlets far-reaching views. If you do only this part of the walk, bear in mind that you will need transport to go back to the start point or to your home or return the same way back.

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4. 4

   Dummer to Kingsclere, Thames Valley

   24.62 km 176 m 236 m

   On this walk, you will be able to enjoy : royal dalliances, corn fields, the birth of a river, a Roman road, skylarks and cowslips, renowned rabbit warren on high downland and a racehorse country. This part of the route follows the Wayfarer's Walk

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5. 5

   Kingsclere to Woolhampton, Thames Valley

   18.90 km 68 m 101 m

   This walk brings your along water-meadows and snowdrops, a village pond, a peaceful common, once a place of conflict and a restored canal. The snowdrops are lovely on this walk during February.

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6. 6

   Woolhampton to Streatley, Thames Valley

   21.04 km 302 m 308 m

   This stage is one of the most strenuous on the route with a particularly steep climb up Streatley Hill towards the end. The view from the top, however, is well worth the effort. The end of the section is quite demanding with a very steep pull up the hill at Streatley. Along the way, you will be able to enjoy : canal boats, country churchyard, wolves, how Tutts Clump got its name, blue pools and watercress beds, bluebells, lambs, ancient earthworks, rare chalk and downland with impressive views.

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7. 7

   Streatley to Stonor, Thames Valley

   21.62 km 327 m 297 m

   On this walk, you will be able to visit the Goring Gap, oldest road, charcoal burning, beech woods and bluebells, a Maharajah's well, bangers and mash, red kites and a nature reserve.

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8. 8

   Stonor to Marlow, Thames Valley

   16.88 km 250 m 306 m

   On this walk enjoy stately home and deer park, a windmill and a well-known vicar, red kites, Chiltern villages and hospitality scenic views, and a regatta town.

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9. E

   Marlow to Windsor, Thames Valley

   22.65 km 9 m 16 m

   This walk follows the Thames Path to Windsor with a detour along the Eton College Olympic Rowing Lake. You will find boating on the Thames, an ancient wetlands area, an historic village with artistic connections, beautiful Clivedon, Reach and Boulter's lock, the famous railway bridge, Monkey Island, Eton's impressive rowing lake, arboretum and the nature reserve Windsor Castle.

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