Distance: 9 miles (14.5 km)
Start: Henley-on-Thames
End: Marlow
Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Weather Forecast for this Section (Next 7 Days)
Section Overview
One of the most scenic and quintessentially “English” sections of the Thames Path. Walking downstream from Henley-on-Thames to Marlow, you’ll enjoy riverside inns, wooden footbridges, lush meadows and postcard-perfect villages. It’s a gentle walk on mainly level paths, with excellent pubs en route and superb views across the Chiltern Hills.
Leaving Henley
Starting from Henley Bridge, follow the river south past the regatta course and rowing clubs. Soon after leaving the town, you’ll enter open meadows and gradually move into quieter surroundings, with fine views back towards Henley and the wooded hills beyond it.
Hambleden Lock and Mill End
After around 3 miles, you reach Hambleden Lock, one of the most attractive on the Thames. Nearby is Hambleden Mill, a picturesque converted mill on a small island in the river. A wooden walkway here links the lock to the village of Aston, where the Flower Pot Inn (10–15 min detour) serves as a popular stop for walkers.
Across the river lies the charming village of Hambleden itself. While not directly on the path, it’s well worth a short diversion if you have time, with its brick-and-flint cottages and pretty church. The countryside around here has been used as a filming location for Midsomer Murders, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Vicar of Dibley.
Hurley and Temple Meadows
Continuing downstream, the route meanders through lush water meadows with occasional small woods. You’ll pass through Hurley, a peaceful Thames-side village with a campsite, lock and historic priory buildings.
This is classic river walking with shady willows, swans drifting by, and long, grazed meadows stretching towards the tree line. Look out for red kites overhead and pleasure boats moving between locks.
Arriving in Marlow
Soon after Hurley, the path moves gently towards Marlow. The final approach is lovely, with elegant riverside homes giving way to the graceful suspension bridge that marks your arrival. Built in the early 19th century, Marlow Bridge is instantly recognisable and provides one of the finest views on the Thames Path.
Marlow itself is a stylish Georgian town with boutique shops, cafés, and a thriving food scene, including the Michelin-starred Hand & Flowers. It’s a perfect place to end your walk and relax by the water.
The next section of the Thames Path takes you away from Marlow and towards the historic town of Windsor.
Next Section
Marlow to Windsor – (14.3 Miles)
Walking from Marlow to Windsor takes you along one of the most elegant sections of the Thames Path. The route has a slightly more urban feel in places, passing through the riverside towns of Bourne End, Cookham and Maidenhead, before finishing with a memorable approach to Windsor Castle. The scenery is classic Thames Valley – green meadows, stylish riverfront homes, grand bridges and rowing clubs.
Previous Section
Reading to Henley – (9.5 Miles)
This is one of the most popular stretches of the Thames Path, linking the bustling town of Reading with the elegant riverside centre of Henley-on-Thames. The route is attractive and varied, passing weirs, locks, historic bridges and quiet Thames‐side countryside. It’s an ideal day walk and suitable for most abilities thanks to its flat terrain and good transport links at each end.