HIKE 21km Marlow - the rural Thames - Woods, Villages & Islands. Chiltern Hills

A great rural hiking escape and a chance to see the River Thames as most Londoners haven't - tranquil and meandering through lush countryside away from London. Home to ducks and swans, settled in a gorgeous woodland, meadow and countrified landscape with picturesque riverside cottages, ancient villages, overhanging Weeping Willow trees, locks and a dramatic 200m footbridge across the river Thames, let us show you the rural Thames.

This whole area of the Chiltern Hills was designated in 1965 as an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to recognise and protect its picturesque beauty.

HIGHLIGHTS

• A high chance of seeing Red Kites - a beautiful and rare bird of prey
• Hike a stunning section of the rural River Thames
• Explore gorgeous woodland trails in the Chiltern Hills
• Visit the Georgian town of Marlow
• Explore an island in the River Thames
• Cross the exhilarating 61m Hambleden Weir foot bridge
• Visit the ancient village of Hambleden including its church which dates back over 1000 years

HIKE DESCRIPTION

We shall be exploring the River Thames away from London to the well preserved Georgian town of Marlow in Buckinghamshire. Buckinghamshire is a county well known for its rivers, canals and landscape and of course the Chiltern Hills further North.

Our hike covers a very scenic stretch of the River Thames taking us past the charming riverside villages of Aston and Hurley and also Marlow Lock, - built in 1773. Time seems to have stood still in this area and even the village of Hurley is little changed since the days when it was a Benedictine Monastery. We also get a glimpse of Bisham Abbey and Bisham Church across the River Thames before we cross over the weir footbridge at Hambleden Mill (61m wide and an experience in itself). After a short stop here, we follow an enchanting woodland trail passing meadows back to Marlow.

The beauty and tranquillity of the area has attracted numerous famous residents including Mary Shelley (the author of "Frankenstein"), T.S.Eliot, Heston Blumenthal, Andrew Strauss and even Robbie Williams and David Seaman own properties there.

MEETING POINT

Paddington station 9:00am, leave at 9:25am for the 9:38am train. Meet at the entrance of the main ticket office - MAP
Planned arrival back into London is 7:20pm (you are committed until then)

GUIDE - CORINA 07591 945281 (only for use during the hike) ABOUT US

FOOD - Bring a packed lunch, we usually visit a pub after the hike for drinks

DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY

Distance: 13 miles (21km)
Grading: Intermediate
Ascent: 260m
Hiking time: 5.5 to 6 hours

COST & PAYMENT

£31 including the guided hike and return train travel, click “Attend” to join.
Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable but we have a process to release your space for RESALE, if your space sells you will be refunded.

WHAT TO BRING

• Hiking clothes & footwear - ideally hiking boots. Hat & gloves if cold, waterproof jacket & trousers KIT LINK
• Water (2 litres)
• Lunch
• We arrange train tickets and logistics, so just turn up and have a great day 😁

SAFETY - Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider

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