Henley-on-Thames and Marlow Walking & Cycling Guide
Riverside towns and iconic architecture
Discover the picturesque towns of Henley-on-Thames and Marlow, nestled along the River Thames in the heart of Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Both are renowned for their charming blend of history, natural beauty, and vibrant local culture, making them ideal destinations for walking and cycling enthusiasts. Henley-on-Thames, famous for its prestigious Royal Regatta, boasts a riverside setting with lush parks, historic buildings, and a thriving arts scene. Cyclists and walkers can enjoy scenic routes through the town’s leafy streets, as well as the stunning countryside that surrounds it, including the nearby Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Marlow, just a short distance downstream, offers a similar mix of history and charm, with its elegant Georgian architecture and picturesque riverside walks. The iconic Marlow Bridge, with its beautiful design, provides a perfect backdrop for those exploring the area by foot or bike. Visitors can discover the quaint boutiques, delightful cafes, and the serene countryside that stretches beyond the town, including trails that lead into the scenic woodlands and fields of the Thames Valley.
Suggested Henley-on-Thames Walks
Discover the famous regatta course and the galleries and museums that populate this beautiful town
Henley on Thames offers fascinating short walks that take you through a trail of all the town has to offer. The Henley on Thames Circular, which is roughly 3 miles, takes you on a journey through the town, passing the Town Hall, George Harrison’s old house and The Row Barge coaching inn – complete with a pub sign of Princess Anne being rowed up the regatta course in 1977.
Henley’s Gallery Trail is the perfect way to cram in some culture. This walk showcases the wonderful art galleries of Henley and includes a rare book shop and the river & rowing museum. View an eclectic mix of drawings, paintings, sculptures and watercolours – and maybe even treat yourself to a piece or two.
For a longer, more rambling walk, follow the Henley-on-Thames Town, River and Woodland route. This 17km walk is packed with plenty of interest and includes not only the history and architecture of Henley, the picturesque Thames and the natural beauty of Chiltern Woodland.
Suggested Marlow Walks
Head out on the Marlow Town Walk and discover the history of the town on the 3 mile route. Stroll across Marlow Bridge, pass All Saint’s Church and discover a property with a plaque to Sir James Nicoll Morris who was captain of HMS Colossus at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
The Marlow and Thames Path loop is a great hike for any fitness level. This scenic trail will take you through cross-country path ways and alongside the River Thames, beginning in the town centre. The trail is almost entirely flat, and there are no stiles, just a couple of kissing gates. The surfaces are a mixture of pavements and river and field side mud tracks. The scenery is beautiful, so this is one not to miss.
The Thames Path National Trail from Marlow to Henley is a longer walk of 8.5 miles. The walk begins in Higginson Park, Marlow, and continues through Culham Court deer p, towards Temple Island before ending in Henley.
Henley and Marlow Cycling Routes
A popular cycle route is the Marlow Bridge to Henley-on-Thames loop from Furze Platt. The route is mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. You will pass Turville Windmill on the route which was featured in the 1967 film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The route in total is 36.5 miles and there are plenty of pretty spots to stop and rest along the way.
Henley and Marlow Cycle Hire
Henley Cycles offer road bikes as well as hybrid bikes and also provide a range of cycling routes when you hire. Advance booking is recommended but they do also accept walk-ins. Saddle Safari in Marlow is another option and has a wide range of choices to suit all budgets. They also have an onsite repair service and offer home delivery.
