Something quite different today – having walked by the River Thames a few weeks ago I decided to do a different section. This involved a ten minute train ride to Goring from Didcot to start my route.
Some quite interesting little shops in Goring and then the Thames Path is indicated to my left before crossing the river so the path has swapped sides from where I ended last time. The path goes very close to the house that used to be lived in by George Michael. When he unexpectedly died there were many tributes on the bank beside the road – somebody who had integrated well into this community.
Goring is in Oxfordshire, it is on the north bank of the Thames whilst Streatley on the south bank is in Berkshire! I’ll switch between counties later on the walk. My main way of knowing is to do with schools and more recently when the Vale Football encompassed this area as well which schools my team had played against!
Quite a foggy start to my walk today – the river is complex at Goring, there is a lock and several weirs.
Slightly eerie, quite soon I spot a heron and was. Able to watch for a while until it took flight.
The live setting on my phone was great in this situation as it captured the movement. So a couple of dog walkers out along this stretch but otherwise very peaceful if not quite a sharp temperature – the forecast is good but I’m grateful for my gloves. My much used sleeveless jacket is such a good article of clothing and usually saves me wearing a coat. A bit more early morning magic!
I’ve already gone under the railway line but every now and again I’m reminded of it’s presence. To my left I can see the undulating scenery as I make the only climb of the day and begin to make my way into Hartslock wood. A tunnel of Blackthorn as the path gets higher and the drop down to the Thames gets greater – quite a pleasant stretch even though the water is no longer in touching distance.
There is a towing path on the other side, this could be another good walk. The path has steps at the end of this section and turns away from the river to circumnavigate Coombe Park, cutting off a sweep of the Thames where presumably the land owner didn’t give permission. The route comes out onto the road at the northern end of Whitchurch, the last of the Oxfordshire locations and I recognise a pub where our football committee once held a meeting. There is a toll bridge here and several of the buildings use flint as their material – readily available. I need to cross the bridge which still collects tolls and then I’ll be on the south bank and will have moved into Berkshire and Pangbourne. I wondered if there were stories behind this cottage name?
Quite a different feel to this section of the river, far more people out and about, mostly with dogs and this first section is designated as Pangbourne Park. After a while it does settle a little – some very loud geese around but nothing in the way of boats on the river even though it’s a very pleasant day. I have noticed a few other people who seem to be out with the purpose of following this path rather than just casual walkers.
After a long sweep round I’m opposite somewhere more familiar- Mapledurhum which has a water mill beside the river- I visited several times, often accompanied! There’s a lock and weir at this point and although I stop for a lunch break with a field immediately behind me I’m aware of a much larger conurbation – Purley and the railway line which shares this river valley.
So the path once again diverts away from the river and comes to the edge of housing. A solid bridge curves over the railway and then the path diverts into a housing estate. I’m pleased that I can expand my map making it easier to see which roads to follow. I’m aware that the main road between Pangbourne and Reading is a few trees away and my path does join it after a kilometre. I know that I have to cross the railway line again as it runs for a section really close to the river with the path between. I’m pleased to see a large metal structure straddling the line, a couple of slightly interest young men on the bridge who hopefully are too busy to notice me. No where much to go – I always feel safer in completely remote rural settings – silly really. At last the river gains some rural tranquility again which is welcome before I reach my final destination.
The opposite bank begins to get built up – well large houses with long gardens down to the river – very adequate family homes rather than mansions! Many with boats moored or little inlets. There are also more swans in this area plus more noisy geese! I stop for a drink on a well situated wooden bench and was about to leave as another couple approached. They had parked their car at Reading and then caught the train to Oxford – this was Day 4 of their walk. We also discussed the South Downs Way – another challenge to explore. Forgot to start my watch again after the chat so cheated my records out of 0.5 km!
My last stop on the river was to be Caversham bridge before I would cut away from the river and find the train station. Just short of 19 km today and very enjoyable. I have a strong urge to try to complete the whole of the Thames Path and decided to look up how much I’ve actually done already!
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 