Exploring Hambleden and Henley

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, Temple Island and Hambledon village.It mainly follows rights of way, most of which are waymarked as follows: ‘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 2.25 miles until you reach Hambleden Lock.At Hambleden Lock cross over the river Thames on a series of bridges and then follow the driveway to the main road. Bus stops here.Take care crossing the road, then turn right and follow the path/road to the left towards Hambleden.At the T-junction with the road to Rotten Row enter the field through the kissing gate (NB There are toilets in the car park 50m further along the Hambleden road). Follow the path towards the village, crossing a bridlepath half way.Rejoin the road, turn right over the stream and walk into the village. Turn right into the private road past the pub and up the hill. Turn right into the unsurfaced farm track before the buildings. You are now walking back along the valley towards the River Thames.After 1 mile the track forms a T-junction with another track. Turn left here following public footpath signs uphill.Follow the footpath which turns right along the hedge.Enter the wood over the stile and then follow the foot path to the right, through the kissing gate and across the field, parallel to the wood. Follow this path until you reach the road.Turn right and follow the road down the hill to the junction. Turn left and walk back to Hambleden Lock.Once back at the lock, walk the 2.25 miles back to Henley along the Thames Path (or you can return by bus, if you prefer).

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.