Reading to Marlow - 18 miles - Thames Path 6/10

Join Steven Massey Hiking Tours for Leg 6 of our epic 185-mile Thames Path Challenge.

This fantastic 18-mile stage from Reading to Marlow takes us through some of the most quintessential Thames scenery of the entire trail.

We'll pass beautiful Sonning and Shiplake before arriving in Henley-on-Thames, home of the world-famous Henley Royal Regatta. We'll walk alongside the historic regatta course, pass Temple Island, cross the spectacular walkway at Hambleden Lock, and continue through glorious Thames Valley countryside towards Bisham.

Our reward at the end is magnificent Marlow, finishing beside its famous suspension bridge overlooking the Thames

Tickets for this event cost £20.00. This payment is non-refundable. It will only be refunded in the event of a non-weather related cancellation. *Tickets/spaces for this walk/event are pre booked and pre paid, please don't just turn up on the day with cash*

We will all meet 08.00 at the finish point in Pound Lane car park, Marlow SL7 2UE. We will then jump into some cars to take us to the start in Reading.

Highlights include - 

Leaving Reading & Caversham – we quickly leave the town behind and return to quieter riverside scenery as the Thames winds eastwards towards Sonning.

Sonning-on-Thames – one of the prettiest villages on this section, with old cottages, riverside pubs and the beautiful Sonning Bridge, whose present stone structure dates mainly from the 18th century.

Sonning Lock – quintessential Thames scenery with boats, weirs and the wooded banks of the river.

Shiplake & Lower Shiplake – peaceful Thames-side countryside and another attractive village stretch before Henley.

Henley-on-Thames – undoubtedly the headline attraction. Henley is internationally famous for rowing and the Henley Royal Regatta, first held in 1839.

Henley Regatta course – we'll walk alongside one of the world's most famous stretches of rowing water, where crews have competed for nearly two centuries.

River & Rowing Museum – an award-winning riverside museum celebrating the Thames, rowing and the history of Henley.

Temple Island – one of the great sights of the walk. The elegant temple was designed by James Wyatt in 1771 and today marks the start of the Henley Royal Regatta course.

Remenham & the Hambleden Valley area – beautiful countryside as we leave Henley behind and enter another quieter stretch of the Thames.

Hambleden Lock & Weir – one of my favourite features for this stage. The long pedestrian walkway across the weir gives fantastic views along the river and makes a brilliant photo stop.

Bisham – approaching Marlow you'll pass the historic Bisham area, including views towards Bisham Abbey, whose history stretches back to the medieval period and which is now a national sports centre.

Marlow Suspension Bridge – a fantastic finishing landmark. The elegant bridge was designed by William Tierney Clark and opened in 1832; Clark later designed the much larger Széchenyi Chain Bridge in Budapest.

Marlow – one of the Thames's most attractive towns and an ideal place to finish an 18-mile stage, with the bridge, church and riverside creating a cracking final view.

Please bring layers and appropriate clothing for the weather, it will be a long day

Also bring enough water (2 ltrs), snacks and food to sustain you.

How to find us - 

Pound Lane car park, Marlow SL7 2UE

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