This was one of the nicest walks along the Thames Path. It was simple, so even I couldn’t get lost! I caught the train out to Windsor and walked over the bridge that leads to Eton and joined the path which begins again off a side road. Windsor goes out a long way as soon, on the other side of the bank, I saw Windsor Racecourse. Perhaps due to the way the river bends I walked a long way before I left the racecourse behind. This stretch (Windsor to Maidenhead) is around six and half to seven miles. An easy walk.
The path is combination of tree covered and open spaces. At first there were plenty of benches on which to sit, but it was too early for me to stop for my lunch. Later I found it hard finding somewhere to stop. In the end, I came across a willow on the bank which had a nice clearing on which to sit. I was almost toes in the water! Later I realised that I had stopped opposite Dorney Reach Hotel. Rivercraft moved up and down causing lovely ripples.
My first stop was close to Boveney Lock. Boveney Church has origins going back to the twelfth century. The church, built for bargemen doing trade along here, is right on the path, well as slight detour. A path leads to it from the main path.
I had set off at a reasonable pace on this walk, but I slowed down as I could see that I would be in Maidenhead earlier than I had anticipated. For a long while I had the river on one side of me and Eton College rowing lake on the other.
My other stop was by Bray Lock where I sat watching boats passing through while I ate a cereal bar. The sun had come out and I had strip off my fleece and put my sunglasses on!
I wasn’t far from my destination now, about three miles. I felt so good I thought maybe I could do another section after this (though I’d already bought my train ticket home from Maidenhead). However, shortly after this my legs began to ache! I know my limits really!
One of the most lovely sections then came. Here was a gate that led through a section with private houses on the right and their moorings on the left. Only pedestrians are allowed through here. Cyclist have to follow a different path. The houses are stunning and some moorings had benches with a view! What a lovely place to live. Further along as I neared Maidenhead I saw the family home of Olympic swimmer Tom Dean, The flags were still up!
In front of me I could now see Maidenhead bridge, but before it the railway bridge. I was on the final stretch. I walked over the bridge and was immediately assaulted by the noise of traffic and so many roads. The Thames side cafe was closed for renovations and I was dying for a cup of tea. I crossed over to Bridge Gardens and sat for a while watching the Thames. Then it was time to head into town for that cuppa!
The main road, maybe a bypass, was busy and the walk into town is a fair way. On the right I came across some lovely almshouses, but I bet when they were built they didn’t have a busy road and subway running so close to them.
The town itself was fairly quite and I was surprised. I had a wander around before stopping at a cafe and sat outside with tea and carrot cake. Then it was time to leave. I headed to the station and had timed it well. Only about ten minutes before my train was due. This time I was going home via a different route back to London. I was heading into Paddington. When I arrived in London the tube I wanted was suspended, but I found another route across London to get home. That’s the good thing about London, there is always another way!
Here are a few more river and town photos.
My London+ 