Walking the Thames from Henley to Hambleden

This is one of a series of walks through the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and offers fantastic views of the Thames Valley, the local countryside and picturesque villages. Along the way you may see birds such as red kites, buzzards, herons, kingfishers and pheasants and animals such as deer. Historical features along the walk include Henley town, Fawley Court, Hambleden Mill & Lock and Temple Island.It mainly follows rights of way, most of which are waymarked as 'yellow arrow' footpaths (walkers only) and 'blue arrow' bridleways (horseriders, cyclists and walkers).

From Henley Hart Street cross the bridge over the River Thames on the left hand side. Once over the bridge turn left, following the signs for the Thames Path to Hambleden Lock, the path between the buildings will take you onto the side of the river.Follow the path for a mile to Temple Island. The temple was built in 1771 as a fishing lodge for Fawley Court, on the opposite bank. James Wyatt, its architect, adorned its walls with paintings echoing recently discovered designs from Pompeii. At the same time, the celebrated landscape gardener 'Capability' Brown reworked the Fawley grounds to create a tree-lined avenue leading down to the island. Today, the temple is used as a venue for weddings and private parties: the island also marks the start of the Henley Royal Regatta course.Continue for a further mile to Hambleden Lock. The village is one of the most picturesque on the Thames, and you might like to cross the river at the lock to explore it.Return along the Thames Path the way you came. Just after Temple Island, you can take a short diversion into Remenham village, and see the traditional brick and flint church of St Nicholas.

Getting there

Parking: There is cycle parking at Henley rail station, car parks and market place centre.

Public transport: Picturesque Henley-on-Thames is located on the banks of the River Thames in Oxfordshire, 6 miles north of Reading. By Train: Henley is easily reached by rail and the station is in the centre of town; Thames Trains run direct hourly services from Reading taking about 30 minutes, services from London Paddington, Slough and Oxford require a simple change at Reading. For train times and fares call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50. By Bus: A regular bus service 328/329 operates between Reading-Henley-Mill End-Marlow-High Wycombe 7 days a week. You can catch this service either to get to Hambleden Lock or return to Henley. Bus shelters are located on the main road at Mill End. For timetables call 0870 6082698.