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river thames 1 CHOLSEY, R THAMES A long stretch of rural riverside with no locks and little overhanging vegetation, so great for a longer swim or canoe or a moonlit swim. Head S from Wallingford on A329 and ,, at about 2 miles find Ferry Lane (dead end, OX10 9GZ) on L, opp the South Moreton turning. Continue to boatclub at end. Explore downstream. Beware fast-moving rowing teams. Cholsey train station nearby. 5 mins, 51.5649, -1.1339 2b1 2 PANGBOURNE, R THAMES Popular swimming meadows near station. Walk from Pangbourne to Goring on the NE bank and return by train. About halfway is a pretty wooded section with rope swings. Meadows are downstream of Whitchurch ,, bridge (RG8 7BP, Pangbourne station 5 mins). Continue across bridge and climb hill for ½ mile to find bridleway on L (at 40mph sign). This leads for 1½ mile to Hartslock Wood descending to riverbank. A lovely wild stretch of the Thames. Or access opp bank from Lower Basildon church (RG8 9NH, signed ‘Church’ off A329 2¼ NW of Pangbourne). 40 mins, 51.5080, -1.1108 bzh*1T
3 ASTON FERRY, HENLEY Open grassy river meadows and quite lanes near a pub – great for family picnics. Or a walk downstream from Henley, past famous Temple Island at Remenham. It’s a pretty drive to Aston on lanes from ,, Henley via Remenham. Or signed off A4130 2 miles E of Henley. At Flower Pot Hotel (RG9 3DG, 01491 574721) follow Ferry Lane to small car park at end. Meadow is upstream to L. 3 mins, 51.5540, -0.8666 q2az1 4 DORNEY, JUBILEE RIVER A wonderful wide off-shoot of the Thames, lined by open fields, in an otherwise very built-up area by Slough and M4. Head for the bridge just past The Pineapple ,, (SL4 6QS) on B3026/Lake End Rd between Slough (M4 J7) and Eton Wick Park, and find car park. Explore up or downstream. Retire afterward for lunch at Dorney Court Kitchen Garden (SL4 6QP, 01628 669999). Cycle path 61 between Maidenhead or Windsor stations. 5 mins, 51.5056, -0.6566 12c 5 HURLEY ISLAND, THAMES A historic village with wooded river islands and ancient pub. Several places to swim up or downstream plus riverside campsite.
From A404 take A4130 dir Henley. After ,, a mile turn R signed ‘Hurley village only’. Continue straight after The Olde Bell (SL6 5LX, 01628 825881) to find small car park opposite churchyard wall. Head down path beside car park to cross footbridge to island and lock, then bear R 200m to find a beach and shallows on far side. Or explore upstream above lock for several miles, past the campsite. 10 min, 51.5522, -0.8061 aq1
other rivers & lakes 6 MARSH BENHAM, R KENNET A large junction pool in the River Kennet. Signed Marsh Benham off A4 2 miles W of ,, Newbury edge. Continue ¾ mile to Hamstead lock (RG20 0JE) and follow the towpath upstream 300m. Cycle route 4 to Newbury. Food at the Red House (RG20 8LY, 01635 582017). 5 mins, 51.4010, -1.3963 a12c 7 WOOLHAMPTON LAKES & R KENNET Secluded and wooded river downstream, secret lake upstream. Pub, station and cycle path. Great canoeing. Head upstream 300m from Rowbarge ,,
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