TURKEYS, TOADS & RESURRECTIONS - THE COOKHAM HIKE

FROM THE END OF OCT ALL HIKES WILL ONLY BE POSTED ON
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COOKHAM TO TAPLOW VIA COOKHAM DEAN AND WINTER HILL FIGURE OF 9 WALK

Join us for a delightful walk through idyllic English countryside encompassing former homes of famous biblical artist Sir Stanley Spencer and Wind in The Willows author Kenneth Grahame, a free range turkey farm, striking views across multiple counties, picture postcard villages, scenic riverside views, impressive views of Cliveden House ground’s beechwood views and cross an historic lock onto a small island that was once a flour mill site and now a pleasant public park.

START: COOKHAM STATION

END: TAPLOW STATION

STATS

10 miles (16-17 km)

Terrain: Mostly flat, with one short ascent close to the start and later descent down to river, whereinafter it is a flat walk all the way to Taplow

Pace: Brisk (But not a fast paced walk)

Duration: Approximately 4 and a half hours

HIGHLIGHTS

We pass by the house where the early 20th Century artist and
Cookham native, Sir Stanley Spencer, lived and worked.
Cross Cookham Dean, the ‘highest point of all the Cookhams’ (including Rise and Village)

Pass by a large free range turkey farm where there is often the presence of alpacas to protect the turkeys

Marvel at stunning panoramic views featuring the picturesque riverside town of Marlow from Bisham Woods as well as the land where the building of Marlow Film Studios are proposed

Enjoy some more panoramic views from Winter Hill and walk above the hill wood which is said to be the inspiration for Wind in The Willows, as author Kenneth Grahame was raised in the local area. We may even spot toads, badgers, rats and moles!

Attractive stretch of Thames Path including Bourne End Marina, views of the beech woods of the Cliveden Estate (NB house is not visible from Thames), Boulters Lock which was a popular Victorian leisure destination and Ray Mill Island, formerly the site of a flour mill, where we come off the Thames Path and head to the charming village of Taplow where the walk ends with a well deserved drink at The Oak and Saw Pub

Walk leader: Dan (07742 640677)

Bring a packed lunch and water

Start from : Cookham Station (by the dark green Cookham Society Poster Drum outside Cookham Station, opposite Cookham Social Club and Budgens Countrystore). There is a Costa Coffee nearby on the corner of Lower Road and High Road – other side of level crossing and car park – if you arrive early.

End: Taplow Station (Please note this is approximately a 15-20 minute walk from The Oak and Saw Pub, where the main walk ends and unlike Cookham, is on the mainline so you can catch a direct train to London Paddington from here)

CAR

If you come by car, please either park at Cookham Station and return by train via Taplow and Maidenhead or park at Taplow Station and do the train journey before the walk. To reach Cookham from Taplow, take the Elizabeth Line one stop to Maidenhead, from where you can catch a Great Western Service (destination Marlow) 2 stops to Cookham.

TRAIN

Train from Paddington station via Maidenhead. Check using www.trainline.com

PARKING

If you come by car, please either park at Cookham Station and return by train via Taplow and Maidenhead or park at Taplow Station and do the train journey before the walk. To reach Cookham from Taplow, take the Elizabeth Line one stop to Maidenhead, from where you can catch a Great Western Service (destination Marlow) 2 stops to Cookham.

However, it is recommended to come by train if possible so that you don’t have to worry about car parking logistics on a non-circular walk.

TOILETS

You may be able to use the toilets at Costa Coffee or Daisy Love Cookham Café if you buy something but it is recommended to go en-route. The next toilets are not until towards the end of the walk

Walk fee: £8

Payable to:

Kats Adventures Limited
40 09 25
41764527
ref: Name / Henley

Walk leader: Dan (07742 640677)