Distance: 14 miles (22.5 km)
Start: Marlow
End: Windsor
Time: 6-7 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Weather Forecast for this Section (Next 7 Days)
Section Overview
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 with green meadows, stylish riverfront homes, grand bridges and rowing clubs.
Leaving Marlow
From the iconic suspension bridge in Marlow, follow the river downstream past riverside gardens and boathouses. The trail quickly becomes peaceful, leading into open meadows with views across to the wooded slopes of the Cliveden Estate.
Bourne End and Cookham
After 3 miles you’ll reach Bourne End, where the path crosses the railway bridge over the river. Refreshments are available here, making it a popular stopping point.
Soon afterwards you arrive at Cookham, a wonderfully preserved village with art galleries, pubs and historic cottages. The painter Stanley Spencer was born here, and the Stanley Spencer Gallery makes for an interesting place to stop if time allows.
Maidenhead and Brunel’s Railway Bridge
Continuing south, you follow riverside paths towards Maidenhead. Before entering the town, you’ll pass Boulter’s Lock, a lively spot for boaters in summer, opposite the islands of Ray Mill and Ray Mead.
Look out for the Maidenhead Railway Bridge, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Its wide arches carry Great Western Railway trains over the Thames and were once the flattest brick arches in the world. The riverside through Maidenhead is attractive, with long promenades and rowing clubs lining the bank.
Bray and Eton Dorney
Beyond Maidenhead, the character becomes leafier and more rural again as you walk past Bray, famous for its Michelin-starred restaurants (The Fat Duck and The Waterside Inn). The Thames Path skirts the edge of Dorney Lake, the purpose-built Olympic rowing venue used in London 2012.
This is easy and pleasant walking, with boats gliding by and birdlife abundant in the surrounding wetlands.
Approaching Windsor
Soon after passing the lake, the towers of Windsor Castle begin to appear in the distance. The final stretch takes you through riverside parks and across Windsor Bridge into the heart of the town.
Windsor is a fantastic place to finish, with its royal castle, cobbled streets, shops and riverside pubs. You can also continue across the bridge to Eton, home of the famous Eton College, for a short additional stroll.
When you’re ready, the next section of the Thames Path continues for 13 miles towards Shepperton.
Next Section
Windsor to Shepperton – (13.7 Miles)
From the grand setting of Windsor Castle and Home Park, the Thames Path meanders downstream past royal estates, reservoirs, racecourses, aircraft factories and quiet suburban villages. Although surrounded in places by major transport routes (railways, M25, Heathrow Airport), the river itself remains surprisingly peaceful. It’s a flat, easy stretch, with good transport connections at either end.
Previous Section
Henley to Marlow – (9 Miles)
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.