Stage 7 - Henley to Goring - 20th June 2024

The Thames Path gets diverted almost straight away at Marsh Lock

Stage 7 of my 2024 Thames Path challenge to walk from the sea at Grain to the Source near Kemble in 11 stages. 20.57 miles today from Henley to Goring. It was an absolute perfect day, spoilt only by a 35 min delay getting the train back to Henley where my car was parked. Loved the warm sunshine at last. Will have to expose my white knees on the next stage!

The Marsh Lock closure results in a long diversion that takes you through Harpsden Wood in order to reach Lower Shiplake. I chose to avoid this by walking along the (admittedly) busy A4155 Reading Road. My map of the walk shows shows this route rather than the official diversion. For most of the way, the A4155 is fine; for about 200 yards however, the grass verge disappears and you're forced to walk on the road.

This is why the bridge is only partially open - the structure beyond the lock is unsafe

Weir gates at Marsh Lock

This part from Henley is open as far as the lock

Official diversion in blue. The main road route shown in red

This is the main road by the Bremont watch factory. The verge here is plenty wide enough

OK so the verge disappears briefly

Walk along here into Lower Shiplake

Lower Shiplake

Shiplake Lock

Shiplake Lock

Shiplake Lock

The river by Shiplake College's boathouse

Looking back downstream towards Shiplake

This is a quiet section of the river

Approaching Sonning Bridge

Sonning Bridge

The Thames Path crosses the river at Sonning

Sonning Lock

The ducks, geese and swans really enjoy relaxing here in Thames Valley Park Nature Reserve - a former power station

Approaching Reading

Reading

Caversham Lock

Reading Hydro uses the power of the weir at Caversham Lock

Caversham weir

Caversham Lock

Reading Bridge

Christchurch Bridge

Looking up towards Caverhsam Bridge

Another popular place in Reading for swans

This is a lovely footpath up from Reading City Centre

Gorgeous in summer for relaxing

I always have to take a photo of the this house!

Lara Croft has lost her arm since I passed here last year!

The path passes this rather well to do housing estate - Purley-on-Thames

Mapledurham Lock

In autumn especially, Mapledurham Lock to Goring is one of my favourite stages with the backdrop of all the trees of the Chiltern Hills.

Mapledurham Lock

What a lovely backdrop

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This is a lovely meadow to be walking across

I've reached Pangbourne Meadow

Looking back downstream towards Mapledurham

Whitchurch Bridge connecting Pangbourne with Whitchurch

Whitchurch Bridge - one of two private toll bridges crossing the Thames. Swinford Bridge is the other one.

Looking back from Whitchurch

Whitchurch - so pretty

Hartley Steps in Hartslock Wood. The only bit of hill climbing on the Thames Path

Glimpses of the river from up above in the woods

Pill box in Hartslock Wood

Gatehampton Railway Bridge near Goring

Gatehampton Railway Bridge

Approaching Goring

Yay! Reached Goring

Goring Lock

I've earned this pint!

Goring

Now need to get the train back to Henley

Back in Henley at 8:15 - 12 hours after setting off this morning

Another long walk