# 🥾 Walk 28 - Thames Path, Henley to Marlow

Even though it had snowed the previous day, the trains were running on time, and we arrived at Henley-on-Thames soon after 10:00 am. Three of us set off in search of the first gold post box, which was easily located in Hart Street. After the photo opportunity we retraced our steps and set off along the Thames Path. It was disappointing that there was no virgin snow, but good to see one family making a snowman.

Lawrence was interested in inspecting what had been done to the public right of way, on the opposite bank, by the new owners of Fawley Court. The path was clearly roped off, the statuary 1m wide according to reports, and if you remained on the path you would be unable to go to the edge of the river bank.

The going was surprisingly easy and we met other walkers and the occasional runner. There was even a lone four on the river. After pausing for a coffee at Hambleden Lock we soon left the Thames Path and made our way to Aston. On the outskirts of the hamlet we chatted to a young boy, out for the first time with a sledge and we watched as his father demonstrated what to do with the sledge.

![Our leader having his photo taken next to a Gold Post Box](https://www.berksww.org.uk/scrapbooks/volume3/images/gold_post_box.jpg)

The Flower Pot pub provided the only opportunity on the walk to sit down without getting cold and damp. Refreshed we set off through the grounds of Culham Court, where Lawrence continued his inspection of footpaths. If the new owners have planted a high hedge to obstruct the view of their garden, the magnificent view of the river and the hills surrounding Hambleden is still there, and even more picturesque today with its snowy mantle.

Personally I was pleased with how well the route through the deer park had been marked and even a novice walker should have had no problems finding their way. Lawrence, having inspected the footpaths he was concerned about, left us to make his way back to Henley.

Near Medmenham I thought we were going to have an unexpected challenge. A large tree had fallen some time recently and as we approached we could see an expanse of water apparently blocking our way. Sadly for those who like a challenge it was incredibly easy to clamber over another fallen tree trunk without getting wet. Looking back after leaving the copse we saw that there was an alternative route away from the river bank.

![The Thames Path at Henley-on-Thames](https://www.berksww.org.uk/scrapbooks/volume3/images/henley_snow.jpg)

As ever, Danesfield dominated the high ground on the opposite bank shortly before we reached Hurley. This was the part we were wary of. We have to cross the river just before and just after the lock on two charming but steep bridges. I went down sideways, holding the handrail lest I slip but a more sure footed jogger had no qualms.

After passing Temple Lock we began to encounter more walkers and knew we were fast approaching our destination. After more liquid refreshment we found the second olympic gold post box and made our way to the station and home.

Thank you to J-P for leading the walk and to Lawrence for being one of the unsung heroes of the Ramblers who help protect the rights of way which we take for granted.

![A fallen tree (slightly) blocked the path](https://www.berksww.org.uk/scrapbooks/volume3/images/fallen_tree.jpg)

![Slippery ramps leading up to the bridges at Hurley Lock](https://www.berksww.org.uk/scrapbooks/volume3/images/hurley_lock.jpg)

*Thank you to Christine for writing up the walk and providing the photos.*

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