26 Jul 2020, Sun

Follow the Thames Path through the lovely scenery of Cliveden Reach. Visit Boulter's lock, enjoy the wildlife on the newly-created Jubilee River and pass close to Eton College.

A walk suitable for families round the scenic Burnham Beeches National Nature Reserve, which is particularly colourful in spring and autumn, but well worth a visit at any time of year.

Sir Stanley Spencer was one of the most important painters of the 20th century. This walk will take you round his home village, a place he regarded as ‘heaven on earth’. It also ventures out into the surrounding countryside and alongside the Thames.

The locations of several of his paintings are highlighted in the description with more details in the "to do or see" section.

A mostly level walk on good paths, much of it on the Green Way. No stiles. Refreshment is available in picturesque Cookham village, once home to the artist Stanley Spencer. The village dates back to prehistoric times and has many fine old buildings.

The route follows the Thames Path all the way. At times the path can be narrow, so be aware. The route crosses Windsor Bridge to Eton, then turns left to follow the Thames Path past Boveney, Dorney Lake. Oakley Court and Bray Studios are soon visible across the river. Next is Bray Lock, then through Maidenhead, and Cookham to Bourne End.

This section of our walk starts is 11.4 miles. It starts at Windsor & Eton Riverside Station and takes in Windsor Castle, The Long Walk, Windsor Great Park, Three Castles Path, Virginia Water, Valley Gardens, Savill Garden and Englefield Green.

First 2 miles are flat, along the Thames Path & Spade Oak Nature Reserve to Little Marlow. The rest of the stage is tough and very hilly with many steep climbs and mostly off-road thru'the Chiltern Hills. The route goes up around the back of High Wycombe to finish just past the National Trust owned village of West Wycombe at Pedestal Roundabout at junction of A40 and A4010.

Follow the Thames Path through the lovely scenery of Cliveden Reach. Visit Boulter's lock, enjoy the wildlife on the newly-created Jubilee River and pass close to Eton College.