This walk was a dummy run for my friend and I to see if we could (a) walk two sections of the Thames Path on consecutive days, and (b) walk carrying all we needed for the trip. We arrived from London late Tuesday afternoon and stayed overnight in a hotel. After breakfast we set off to walk the first leg to Marlow. The distance was around eight miles, though we ended up doing more than that as we had a stop at Cookham to enjoy the village.
The morning began overcast, and occasionally we encountered a few spots of rain. There were some dramatic skies, but we were lucky. While walking, we had no rain. The path was easy and the views beautiful.
The first notable place is Boulter’s Lock. There are some huge houses along this stretch of the Thames Path. Some, we assumed, were hotels or apartments. One was up for sale or rent. Tempting, but I could never afford it!
Behind the trees on the opposite bank is Cliveden House, the former home of the Astor family. Unfortunately, we were unable to see the house from our side, but the grounds were extensive.
Shortly afterwards, we came to Cookham where we stopped to enjoy the Stanley Spencer Gallery. I had been before, but not my friend. The gallery is small, but the paintings are stunning. Spencer lived in Cookham for most of his life and all his paintings (apart from some he painted during the war) are set in Cookham. Though not religious, he painted a number of religious scenes. His house is on the main street (blue plaque) and there is a war memorial with his brother’s name on it. Spencer was one of nine children.
Holy Trinity Church is nearby and inside there is a replica of The Last Supper by Stanley Spencer. Outside in the graveyard is the headstone where the artist was buried. Somehow, I missed this the last time I was here.
Leaving Cookham behind (after a cuppa in a local cafe) we headed towards Bourne End. This meant crossing over the river where shortly be came to Bourne End Marina.
Eventually, we came into Marlow, our second overnight stop. We had carried all we needed in our rucksacks and had made it, and without getting wet!
After we’d settled into our rooms and had that all important cup of tea and a rest, we went for a stroll before dinner. The sky looked threatening by then, and while we nipped into WHSmith the heavens opened. We stood at the door waiting for the shower to pass, which it did. I unfurled my brolly, but when we came outside, the rain stopped. So we carried on with our exploring before enjoying a tasty, and well-deserved meal.
Before leaving the next morning we took a look at St Luke’s church, and then walked over Marlow Bridge just because it is so impressive!
This next section was a particularly beautiful stretch, and we first came across Bisham Church.
This was a day of bridges (three to cross in all), animals (cattle, butterflies and Red Kites). It was an extraordinary day of contrasts, and the sun even came out!
Eventually we had to come off the river and walk through a deer park and Culham Court. We were by then dreaming of a sit down and cuppa!
The grounds are extensive to Culham Court and the deer park, but this is private land, so one has to stick to paths. There is a Chapel built on the hill. You can see and read about that here.
We were now nearing Aston and the prospect of that well-earned cuppa was upper mind in our thoughts, so it was with great relief to cross the field (above) and come across The Flowerpot Pub.
We sat in the pub garden and were amazed by Red Kites riding the thermals and darting down. They came close by, and I counted six together at one time. I have never seen them close up before and fell in love with them. Their colouring is beautiful.
Eventually, we dragged ourselves away. We had the last stretch of the Thames to walk. Refreshed, we set off.
We had arrived! We had a celebration drink at the Leander Rowing Club. My friend cheeky asked if we would be allowed in. Apparently, non-members could drink on the terrace, so in we went! We found a table right by the river and enjoyed the view and the sunshine. We didn’t want to go home. Over twenty twenty miles in two days we had walked, and now it felt like it! When we eventually roused ourselves, it was on stiff legs and I had a blister on the ball of my left foot. But we were happy, and proud of ourselves for this achievement. We are already planning our next walk!
My London+ 