About this Event
🌟 Highlights
- Thames Path, passing Temple Island with its neoclassical folly.
- Visit Hambleden, a picturesque hamlet with brick-and-flint cottages and a grand medieval church.
- Hambleden Mill, mentioned in the Domesday Book, was used for grinding corn until 1955
- Great Wood and scenic hills above Henley.
- Historic Henley-on-Thames Henley is one of Oxfordshire’s oldest settlements, famed for its 300 listed buildings and rich history, including Roman remains uncovered at Mill End. It’s best known today for the world-renowned Henley Royal Regatta, which fills the riverside town with energy each summer.
- Fascinating history: Charles I’s escape route, WH Smith’s grave, and the Charge of the Light Brigade connection.
## 📖 Description
🥾 “Historic Henley and Hambleden & the Great Wood!”
This is a very pretty and varied walk starting in Henley-on-Thames, famous for its annual rowing regatta. The morning is a gentle riverside stroll along the Thames towpath, where you’ll see rowing crews in action and pass Temple Island’s striking folly. After crossing Hambleden Mill’s impressive weir footbridge, we head to Hambleden, a well-preserved village steeped in history.
After lunch, the route climbs gradually through the Great Wood, giving a sense of Britain’s ancient forests, then continues via Fawley with its neoclassical mausoleum. The return along the Oxfordshire Way offers sweeping views before finishing in Henley, a town rich in heritage with over 300 listed buildings.
🗺️ Hike Details
- Distance: 17 km
- Duration: 4–4.5 hours
- Grade: Easy
- Ascent: ~180 m
- Terrain: Thames towpath, woodland trails, quiet lanes
- Pace: Steady social pace with regular breaks for views and photos
🕒 Meeting Point & Time
- 📍 Meeting Point: London Paddington Rail Station at 08:45 AM (near ticket office)
- 🚆 Train: 09:08 from London Paddington, Arrives Henley -on- thames 09:57.
Buy a day return ticket to Henley -on -Thames on the day or in advance. (1/3rd off on Group Save & Railcard). - 🏁 Hike Starts: Henley-on-Thamesat 10:00
- ⏳ Hike Finishes: Henley-on-Thames approx. at ~16:00
- 📞 Hike Guide: Raj – 07788839784
🎒 What to Bring
- 👟 Comfortable hiking boots
- 💧 Water & packed lunch/snacks
- 🧥 Weather-appropriate clothing
- ☀️🌧️ Sun/Rain/Wind protection (hat, sunscreen, raincoat)
- 📷 Optional: camera, walking poles
📌 Additional Info
- 🍻 Optional social drinks (BYOD) after the hike at a local pub near the station
- 🌱 Some paths may be muddy after rain
- 👥 Let’s keep the group together so we can all enjoy the views and finish safely
- 🔗 This event is posted on multiple platforms
Cost & What’s Included
💵 Cost: £10 per person
✅ Includes: Guided hike/meetup fee only
❌ Not included: Train tickets, food, drinks, or other personal expenses
⚠️ Note: Participants who purchase train tickets through the organiser must stay with the group until the end of the hike (London).
✅ How to Join
RSVP by Tuesday to secure your spot for this Saturday hike!
We’d love to have you join us on the trail!
Click Join to RSVP
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Paddington Station, Praed Street, London, United Kingdom
GBP 11.55
