The Wind in the Willows Walk, 7.5 miles, leisurely
Details
This circular walk from Cookham station winds its way through Bisham Woods, exploring the countryside which inspired Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows.
Pace: gentle.
Monday 4 May 2026
Start time: 10:45 am
Estimated finish time: 3:00 pm
Difficulty: Leisurely
Distance: 12.1km / 7.5mi
Ascent: 217.3m / 713ft
Type: circular
Walk details
This walk takes in parts of the Woodland Trust's 'The Wind in the Willows Trail':
https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/media/47828/0798-wt-wind-in-the-willows-leaflet-aa_p1.pdf
We'll start by heading west out of Cookham station and through Cookham Dean. We'll walk up the National Trust's Winter Hill, and then down down through Quarry and Fulness Woods. These are part of the Woodland Trust’s ancient Bisham Woods, a well-known spot for bluebells, if we aren't too late in the season! Quarry Wood is thought to be the inspiration for Badger's 'Wild Wood' in The Wind in the Willows.
We'll then take a detour to explore Inkydown and Park Woods, and hopefully find a nice spot to stop for lunch. After lunch we'll return to The Wind in the Willows trail, walking through Cookham Dean Common, and past the wonderful red Telephone Box Library. Finally we'll pass the Sixteenth Century Cottages, and stop for a drink in the pub. This would be about a mile before the end of the walk, and there is a nice pavement along the road for this stretch, so you could choose to make your own way back if you preferred not to stay for a drink.
Dogs
Well-behaved dogs allowed provided they are kept on a lead at all times.
Travel details
By public transport
The 10:33 service from Maidenhead arrives into Cookham at 10:40 in time for the walk start. From Reading, take the 10:12 from Reading, arriving into Maidenhead at 10:24, and change onto this. Return trains leave hourly. The walk leader will be travelling on these trains, so if they are delayed then the start of the walk will be too.
By car
Parking is available at Cookham station, where charges will likely apply. Please allow sufficient time to pay for parking and change shoes etc. to be ready at the listed start time.
Notes
- Please bring a packed lunch and a drink.
- It might be muddy – please wear suitable footwear.