There are walking routes where you naturally start to slow down after just ten minutes. Not because it’s hard—quite the opposite—but because you keep seeing something that calls for a break: a lock with babbling water, a rowboat gliding by, a pub patio by the river, or a bridge that looks like it came straight out of a postcard.
The Thames Path Highlights is exactly that kind of route: a leisurely, culturally rich walk along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Thames, from Henley-on-Thames to Windsor.
This is a shortened version of the Thames Path that includes all the highlights. You’ll hike for 5 days / 4 nights, completely self-guided, with short daily distances and mostly flat terrain. Ideal if you want to experience England on foot at a leisurely pace, with plenty of time for tea, pub dinners, and short detours to scenic viewpoints. You can book this trip through our local specialist. Read more about it below.
You’ll pass by the spots that give the Thames its iconic charm: Hurley and Temple Locks, the elegant atmosphere of Marlow with its suspension bridge, the stretch near Maidenhead under Brunel’s railway bridge, and picturesque Cookham.
Fun fact: Marlow is said to be the place where Mary Shelley worked on *Frankenstein*, and Cookham is closely associated with the painter Stanley Spencer.
| Hello | Route | Overnight Stay | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival in Henley-on-Thames | Henley-on-Thames | – |
| 2 | Henley-on-Thames – Marlow | Marlow | 15 km |
| 3 | Marlow – Cookham (optional: Cliveden House) | Cookham | 8 km / 12 km |
| 4 | Cookham – Eton/Windsor | Eton / Windsor | 15 km |
| 5 | Ends after breakfast | – | – |
You’ll start in Henley-on-Thames, an elegant Georgian riverside town known for rowing and the Royal Regatta. Henley is easily accessible by train from London (about an hour from London Paddington).
Tip: Take a short evening stroll along the promenade—it’s the perfect way to get into the rhythm of the river.
A leisurely start: you follow the Thames through green, peaceful countryside, enter Buckinghamshire, and pass the locks at Hurley and Temple.
Arrival in Marlow, a lively yet quaint town with its picturesque suspension bridge and lovely parks where you can stretch your legs.
Today’s walk is particularly peaceful—ideal for coffee breaks. You’ll pass through Bourne End and walk under Brunel’s railway bridge near Maidenhead.
Cookham has an artistic atmosphere (Stanley Spencer lived and worked here).
Option: Add +5 km with a detour to Cliveden House (National Trust) for spectacular views of the Thames.
As you continue walking toward Windsor, you’ll often see the “towers” looming in the distance. Along the way, you’ll pass through Eton, known for its historic college and a somewhat quieter atmosphere.
In Windsor, it’s worth saving some energy for The Long Walk in Windsor Great Park: a stately, tree-lined avenue stretching 2.6 miles (4.2 km) all the way to the Copper Horse.
Practical tip: If you really want to explore the castle in depth, it’s worth considering spending an extra night in Windsor.
The trip ends after breakfast. Windsor has good train connections to London (including Paddington and Waterloo).
You’ll stay at a mix of B&Bs, lodges, and small-scale hotels, on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
In many places, you can arrange for a packed lunch, and you’ll often come across cafés or shops along the way. Dinner is usually available at pubs or restaurants, or sometimes at your accommodation.
Prices per person based on double occupancy
When you request a quote, we’ll forward it to our local partner, who will confirm it directly with you if they agree. You’ll pay the same price (or less) as if you were booking directly. You’ll handle the rest of the booking and payment directly with the local provider (with whom we have a good working relationship and established agreements). We’re always available to answer any questions you may have.
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With a passion for travel and photography and over 30 years of experience in the travel industry, I love to share my special nature travel tips. Travel is wonderful and important, you meet new people and cultures and it opens your view of the world.
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