Cholsey to Goring, 23km walk along the Berkshire downs.

Please read in full before you RSVP
Event host: Michael
Join me for a walk of about 23 km across the Berkshire Downs to the Thames, from Cholsey to Goring. We set off from Cholsey station at 10:45 am on bridleways and farm tracks across gentle Oxfordshire farmland, passing the Iron Age hillfort on Blewburton Hill and the small villages of Aston Tirrold and Aston Upthorpe. After about 7 km we reach Blewbury, a village of thatched cottages and old cob walls built around its streams, with a church more than 900 years old. This is our main break: where we can have a packed lunch or visit the Red lion pub.
After lunch we'll follow a broad track as it climbs through a wood onto the downs, where we join the Ridgeway, the ancient track across the Berkshire Downs. It has wide, open views, and we'll pause along the way to take them in. We then leave the downs and drop to the Thames at Moulsford. From there, 2.5 km of the Thames Path along the riverbank brings us to Streatley. We cross the bridge over the weir into Goring and finish at the Catherine Wheel at about 6pm, a few minutes from the station, where we can socialise.

🥾 Hike Details
🕙 Start at 10:45 AM at Cholsey Station and finish at the Catherine wheel/Goring station at 6pm (estimate).
Approx. 23km with 300m ascent | Paths are mostly of mixed quality trail with gentle climbs but with some sections of pavement as we pass villages.
Pace: 4–5 km/hour with a few mindful pauses along the way

Lunch: 1 hour with access to a church and pub in Blewbury (St.Michael’s/Red lion) at 1-2pm (estimate).
Cost: Free
Equipment: Please check the weather updates the night before and/or the morning and pack for the expected weather. Wear comfortable hiking shoes bring a backpack, with lunch, 1L of water, extra snacks, and at least a wind-breaker or light jacket**.**

🚊 Option 1 – By Train

🕙 09:30AM – London Paddington (9:50 train departure) Meet at the Paddington bear statue under the large clock
. Purchase an open return to Cholsey (£22 with railcard).
🚙 Option 2 – By Car

🕙 10:40 AM – Cholsey Station This is not a circular but Cholsey is one stop from Goring so easy to return to the start. You must arrange your own parking.
Note: I will not be able to respond to messages once the hike starts, if you have any questions or problems contact me before hike start.

Group Rules
Be respectful with RSVPs
If you are not able to attend, please cancel in good time. Frequent No-shows and late cancellations (less than 24 hours) affect members on the waiting list and may impact future participation. If you have any questions please post in the event chat.
Maintain group harmony
Discussion and openness is welcome, people should feel free to converse as they wish or have any discussion they want with other willing participants. However, likewise people should also be free to enjoy the beauty of nature without harshness, loudness, or having other’s opinions pushed on them. The aim of this event is to bring people together to both enjoy each others company and to enjoy some of the beauty this world has to offer.
Attendees are free to join and leave as they wish, but please notify the coordinator so he can keep track.

DISCLAIMER
By joining this group , you acknowledge and agree to the following:
This is a free, informal, meet-up. The coordinator Is going on a walk and others are free to join, but in no way is this a professional service and there should be no expectation of that. There is no professional tour guide or first aider.
All participants must be 18 or older, or attend with a legal guardian, and are fully responsible for their own safety, health, and wellbeing throughout the event.
The organiser, guides, or event hosts accept no liability for any injury (including personal injury or fatal accidents), illness, loss, damage, or disputes that may occur before, during, or after the event. You are encouraged to carry personal accident or travel insurance if you feel this is appropriate for your needs.
Please assess your own physical and emotional readiness to participate. If you have any medical or psychological conditions that may affect your experience, it is your responsibility to manage them appropriately and/or seek advice in advance.
All event descriptions including timing, distance, pace, and attendance are approximate and may change due to weather, terrain, transport, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Photos and videos are often taken by attendees during the hikes. Please discuss with each other about consent for photos or videos to be uploaded. The host is not responsible for attendees behaviour.
By attending, you agree to respect the Countryside Code;
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code/the-countryside-code-advicefor-countryside-visitors all natural spaces, and take personal responsibility for your presence and conduct during the event.
Participants are encouraged to be aware of their responsibilities under the CROW Act (Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000) when enjoying nature. UK Government Guidance on Open Access Land and the CROW Act:Lwin
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/open-access-land-management-rights-and-responsibilities
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Disclaimer, Liability Waiver & Media Consent
By attending this event, you acknowledge and agree to the following:
Organiser Identity – The organiser operates under the community name “ZEN”, which is used as an alias for privacy and branding purposes. By joining, you understand that “ZEN” refers to the organiser and/or designated hosts of this event. Assumption of Risk – You understand and accept that participation in any social, recreational, or group activity involves inherent risks, including but not limited to personal injury, illness, property damage, or other unforeseen incidents. You voluntarily choose to attend at your own sole risk. Personal Responsibility – You are solely responsible for your own safety, health, wellbeing, and personal belongings at all times. It is your responsibility to exercise good judgment, act responsibly, and take appropriate precautions before, during, and after the event. No Organiser Liability – The organiser, hosts, volunteers, and the community known as ZEN accept no responsibility and shall not be held liable for any injury, loss, damage, accident, theft, or any other issue that may arise as a result of your participation. Guests – If you bring guests, you accept full responsibility for their conduct, safety, and understanding of this disclaimer. Independent Event – This event may be held in conjunction with other social or non-singles meetup groups. ZEN is not responsible for the actions, behaviour, or arrangements of any third parties. Media Consent – By attending this event, you consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded. You grant ZEN and its organisers the irrevocable right to use such images and recordings for promotional, marketing, social media, and community purposes without compensation or further approval. If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, it is your responsibility to inform the organiser in advance and to remove yourself from areas where filming or photography is taking place. Acceptance of Terms – By attending, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted this disclaimer. You release ZEN, its organisers, hosts, volunteers, and members from all claims, demands, or causes of action, whether known or unknon, arising out of your participation or the use of photography/videography captured at the event.
Your attendance at this event signifies your full acceptance of this policy. If you do not agree, you should not attend..