The Ridgeway, River Thames & Wallingford ~ 18Km/11 miles

Do this Autumn walk because - it combines literary history, charming villages, riverside scenery, and a rewarding finish in one of Oxfordshire’s prettiest spots.

Walk facts
Distance: Approximately 18 km / 11 miles
Duration: Walking time circa 4.5 hours.
Grade: Easy. We will maintain a steady pace over varied surfaces.
Donation to GOSH: £5 cash on the day
What to take: A packed lunch and plenty of water.
Also, we're not insured, so please have your own insurance for this type of activity.

Walk description
From Cholsey station, we'll follow the Cholsey and Wallingford Railway line to St. Mary's Church where the famous crime novelist Agatha Christie is buried.

We'll then continue into the historic market town of Wallingford, where we'll see a life-sized bronze statue of Agatha Christie. There's also the opportunity for a takeaway coffee and a toilet stop if needed.

Crossing Wallingford bridge, we pick up a scenic path leading to the Ridgeway National Trail, taking us through the picturesque villages of North and South Stoke, and then on to Goring.

Some famous people have lived around here over the years including Michael Caine, Clara Butt, Ian Gillan, George Michael.

We'll finish our adventure with a well deserved drink in Goring before heading for the nearby railway station.

Meeting at
Cholsey railway station. We'll be outside the station exit holding a GOSH banner, please see the photo below.
Meeting time: 10.40 am. We'll leave at 10.45 am.

TRAVEL
by train
The day starts at Cholsey station and finishes in Goring.
Buy a day Return to Cholsey station. It will cost £33.40 but with Groupsave or a Network Railcard, it's £22.20 (as of 25/8/25).
From London: catch the 9.38 am from London Paddington, arriving Cholsey at 10.40 am.
Coming back: there are 2 trains an hour going back to London from Goring & Streatley.

Plan your route: TFL and The Trainline

If you're driving there is a car park at Cholsey railway station & also at Goring & Streatley railway station. A train between these stations runs at 30 minute intervals with a journey time around 5 minutes.

Limited spaces will be available in a car traveling from Reading to Goring. Message Carl R for information.

KEY INFORMATION
YOU MUST READ THE THREE SECTIONS BELOW - if you join this trip, you're confirming that you have.

1. The perilous bit
2. Our FAQs, including an explanation of Group save tickets which will save you money.
3. See here for what to wear and take. Specifically make sure you bring good hiking boots and that you are ready for muddy conditions . Please - no trainers, they are not suitable for walking in the wintry muddy conditions.

AND FINALLY

• We're raising money for Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children

We’ll deduct Meetup fees but all the profits will go to GOSH. After each hike, we’ll let you know exactly how much we’ve all raised. And if you’d like to join us and raise money by leading some hikes, please get in touch – the more the merrier 😊