We have recently launched a Facebook Group called Thames Path Walkers. Although moderated by Walk The Thames, it is really for anyone walking the Thames Path to share experiences (good and bad). It would be great to have you as a member. Please use the attached link to visit the group and request to join.
Featured image: the A329 underpass approaching Windsor
The Henley Literary Festival takes place from Saturday 26 September to Sunday October 4. Sadly this year the event will be wholly online. However, contributors include Nadiya Hussain, Kim Darroch (former ambassador to the US), Joanna Trollope, David Baddiel, John Grisham and many, many others. See their website for more details.
Marble Hill House, located on the left bank close to Twickenham (152 miles from source) has been laying on a series of one-off events ranging from lectures to open air concerts. Marble Hill House is a grand palladian-style house on elevated ground above the Thames. The House was constructed between 1724 and 1729 for Henrietta Howard, the mistress of George II. It was later rented by the Prince Regent, later George IV, to house his mistress, Maria Fitzherbert. Although the House is currently closed for renovations the gardens are open and are easily accessible from the Thames Path
Unfortunately Hammersmith Bridge remains closed. We are assuming that the fallen tree near Wallingford has now been removed.
There are no other route alerts that we are aware of.
Windsor is an obvious place for a stopover whilst walking the Thames Path. The Path approaches Windsor from the Eton side of the river, crossing into Windsor at the bridge which separates the two towns. The Path continues along the river (naturally!), through the Home Park with the walls of Windsor Castle high above.
But if you don’t force yourself to come off the Path, you will miss much that Windsor has to offer. Take a stroll up the high street to the castle entrance. Even if you don’t go in, the entrance is well worth seeing. Better still, carry on through cobbled Church Street and Queen Charlotte Street, England’s shortest street, to the Guildhall where Charles and Camilla were married.
Beyond the Guildhall is Park Street where, at the end, you will find the Long Walk, a 3 mile dead straight road through parkland that starts at the entrance to Windsor Castle and ends at the copper statue of George III on horseback. You never know who you might meet coming in and out of those gates!
Windsor is a great place to stay the night as there are fabulous pubs and restaurants. But remember: it’s a tourist trap and can be very busy, especially at weekends. Off-season it’s a delight.
Ready to book?
