Blog No 13, Henley to Reading, 20th July 2025

When I looked at the route for the ten miles from Henley to Reading, I wondered how I could break it up to manage the distance and expected to walk it over two days. I started at Henley with the intention of walking to Sonning Bridge and then deciding whether to go on or take a break. I walked along the tow path, past the Museum of Boating which I understand is due to close. Quite a few people out with dogs, children and some on bikes, not that I captured then on the picture.

After only about half a mile reached a complicated diversion at Shiplake which took me to the main road out of Henley to Sonning I saw I was expected to walk the route on a 50mph stretch with no footpath on either side of the road. I walked about twenty yards in the road before seeing that this was madness. At this point I called Jen who was on her way to Sonning to return and pick me up at a turning signposted 

 to Henley Golf Club. Looking at the map I could see that it would be possible to resume the walk at Mill Lane. Jen dropped me off and I found the path again. 

In places the path was shaded with overhanging trees but not as severe as the path on the Windsor to Marlow stretch, so more positive thinking. I recalled that Elizabeth and I on our birthdays always asked each other how old we were going to be that year, always knocking off at least ten. We kept this up for many years, our private joke, never disclosing our actual ages. She would also ring me often to talk about her book, which hopefully is now nearing publication. I read it to her as part of our editing work when she was unable to read for herself towards the final stages of her journey.  As I walked I was also remembering her as a little child playing with her toys in the sunlight, she entered her play world and made up games, she  sometimes playing with the little girl next door both sharing make believe stories. 

There were very few people on this part of the walk, a single track and muddy after the rain, crossing meadows of yellowed grass due to lack of rain, unusual for this time of year. When the sun was out it was hot with no shade. As luck would have it rain clouds gathered as I was entering a tree lined path and so I sheltered for a few minutes, too lazy to get my rain gear out of my backpack. On this stretch of the walk I managed to be rained on twice. A good decision to wear my heavy walking boots. 

Reaching the weir told me I was nearing Sonning Bridge. I had arranged to meet Jen in the Restaurant close to the bridge and spotted a sign as I walked over saying Thames Path, Reading 3 miles.

I thought....only three miles to get to Reading, after a break I can do that easily. Jen and I had a leisurely lunch, I rested for around an hour and then set off again, arranging to meet Jen at Kings Meadow.

Here the path was much wider, evidence of a more popular walk, even wheel chair friendly until I reached the first meadow where the path petered out and was just a track through the grass. The changing skies in the strong winds showed shimmering lights on the water. 

As I walked closer to Reading the path wound around meadows where lots of tame geese gathered, knowing that people around meant food. 

Another strange sight was a boat carrying a large plastic swan, probably part of a fun fair or summer display further up the river.

I walked along narrow paths as I was close to the railway line approaching Reading Station.

 It seemed a long way, but probably because I was getting tired. I crossed a bridge over the Kennet and Avon canal as it flows into the Thames and then soon found myself at Kings Meadows. I spotted the car park and thankfully saw Jen waiving at me by the car. Phew! I can hardly believe it but I have reached the halfway mark. 

Next stretch is Reading to Pangbourne approximately 7 and a half miles. I am hoping to do this over next weekend, 25/26/27 of July.  I will try to alert people as to the actual timing.

Thank you for your interest, it would be good to receive comments.

Maureen

PS I will be walking from Reading on Sunday 26th from 11am I would love it if anyone cares to join me,