Distance 4 miles. Time 2 hours. Meeting Paddington Station for the 9:49am to Goring and Streatley Sation. Returning Cholsey Station 4:16pm back to Paddington.

Taken from the Wild Things Publishing London Walks…

This is a glorious walk embracing wide stretches of the Thames, open meadows, woody paths and a beautiful Brunel railway bridge. With three swimming spots, you can take your time in good weather, enjoying a peaceful meander along the Thames Path with views of the Chilterns.

The villages of Goring and Streatley have not always been linked. The first bridge between them was built in 1837, and a toll was charged until 1923 when the new bridge replaced the old rickety one. Charges were based on numbers of sheep, cattle and wheels on any vehicle ‘propelled by steam, electricity or anything other than horsepower’. The two settlements had quite different histories, but both were affected by the coming of the railway which destroyed the river trade.

St Mary’s church in Streatley features in the Domesday Book and was originally Saxon. It was rebuilt in 1300 and again by the Victorians so not many original features remain, but the interior is interesting for its striped pillars and Elizabethan brasses.

This is an easy route to follow because it hugs the banks of the Thames for most of the way and is signposted as part of the Thames Path. The path leaves the river at Moulsford, but otherwise, the walk is uncomplicated and you can dawdle and dream without worrying about getting lost. When the river is running fast, take care and stay close to the bank. In normal conditions it flows steadily and slowly and the swimming is very enjoyable.