Walk Directions Comments Map GPS Weather Photos Videos History Download Walk (pdf)

Cookham to Maidenhead Walk

A figure of 9 - Up over Winter Hill, overlooking the Thames Valley, then along the Thames Path.

Chilterns Oxfordshire Thames Valley

History

This is a list of previous times this walk has been done by the club (since Jan 2010). For more recent events (since April 2015), full details are shown.

Date Option Post # Weather
Sat, 22-Feb-25 Cookham to Maidenhead
Sun, 07-Jul-24 Cookham to Maidenhead
Sun, 04-Feb-24 Cookham to Maidenhead (or circular) 10 very mild cloudy cum overcast dry with a gentle afternoon breeze
Sun, 01-Jan-23 New Year's Day Walk West - Cookham to Maidenhead (or Cookham Circular) or on to Marlow: Stanley Spencer, Winter Hill, and the River Thames 18 overcast but very mild
Sun, 16-Oct-22 Cookham to Maidenhead
Wed, 20-Jul-22 Cookham to Maidenhead - Cookham Dean, Bisham Woods, Winter Hill, The River Thames, Cookham, Cliveden, then the Thames path to Maidenhead 2 warm and mostly overcast
Sun, 06-Feb-22 Cookham to Maidenhead
Wed, 18-Aug-21 Cookham to Maidenhead - Cookham Dean, Winter Hill, Sir Stanley Spencer Museum, Cliveden - and along the River Thames 20 cloudy with sunny intervals
Mon, 01-Jan-18 New Year's Day Walk, West: Cookham Circular 12 the skies brightened around lunchtime
Sun, 01-Oct-17 Stanley Spencer and The Wind in the Willows
Sat, 09-Apr-16 1 - Cookham to Maidenhead 23 cloud and occasoional spots of rain and maybe a few moments of sun
Sun, 15-Nov-15 1 – the Thames Valley
Sat, 11-Oct-14 Cookham to Maidenhead Walk 7
Sat, 14-Dec-13 Cookham to Maidenhead Walk 0
Sat, 27-Apr-13 Cookham to Maidenhead Walk 20
Sun, 24-Jun-12 Cookham to Maidenhead Walk
Sat, 28-Apr-12 Cookham to Maidenhead Walk
Sat, 04-Feb-12 Cookham to Maidenhead Walk
Sat, 29-Oct-11 Cookham to Maidenhead Walk
Sun, 26-Jun-11 Cookham to Maidenhead Walk
Sat, 13-Nov-10 Cookham to Maidenhead Walk
Sat, 13-Feb-10 a Cookham to Maidenhead Walk
Sat, 13-Jun-09 Cookham to Maidenhead Walk
Sat, 26-Jul-08 Cookham to Maidenhead Walk
Sun, 23-Mar-08 a Cookham to Maidenhead Walk
Sat, 16-Jun-07 Cookham to Maidenhead Walk
Sun, 21-Jan-07 a Cookham to Maidenhead Walk

Saturday 22-Feb-25

PeteG
Length: 16.81 km (10.45 miles), 3 out of 10 T=1.24

This is a figure of 9 walk, looping around the hills above Cookham with views over the Thames Valley, before returning to it for lunch. The afternoon follows a pretty stretch of the Thames Path to Maidenhead.

The connection is normally fine, but with trains to Cookham being hourly, the best plan if missing it is to set off walking to Cookham rather than wait.

Trains: Get the 1008 from Paddington, change at Maidenhead 1030, for the 1034 to Cookham, arriving 1041. Alternatively, get the 0938 Elizabeth line from Farringdon, Tottenham Court Road 0941, Ealing Broadway 0956, changing at Maidenhead 1026, for the 1034 to Cookham.

Lunch: Before reaching Cookham Town you have the option of stopping on the River Thames at The Bounty pub, Cock Marsh (tel 01628 520 056) with its front garden overlooking the river.

The suggested place for lunch in Cookham is the Kings Arms (tel 01628 530 667) in the High Street, some 10 km (6 miles) into the walk. A varied food menu offering good value is available all day.

Tea: On the way into Maidenhead is the up-market terrace bar at Boulter’s Lock, which serves cream teas.

The recommended route to the station bypasses the somewhat unattractive town centre, but if you choose to take a direct route through the town you will come across many pubs (including The Bear, a Weatherspoons), cafés and coffee shops, some with a few outside tables. There is also a refreshment kiosk on the station platform.

Sunday 07-Jul-24

Mr M Tiger
Mr M Tiger

17.0km (10.6 miles)
Toughness 3 out of 10.
This figure-of-9 walk , through Wind in the Willows country, passes artist Stanley Spencer’s former house, then ventures into the hills, with views over the Thames Valley. Later it drops down to the Thames and returns to Cookham for lunch. The afternoon follows a pretty stretch of the Thames Path to Maidenhead. En route, you could, if you’d rather, cross the river and finish in Taplow. Nothing to stop you dropping out at Cookham, either - maybe after a visit to the Stanley Spencer Gallery. Adm £7 closes 4:30.
Trains
Take the 9:18 Elizabeth line train from Paddington (Ealing Broadway 9:26). Change at Maidenhead onto the Marlow train,(arrive 9:56, depart 10:03 platform 5) reaching Cookham at 10:10 .
(Slugabeds who are quick at changing platforms could catch the 9:38 GWR from Paddington, arriving Maidenhead at 9:59).
Return from Maidenhead at xx:11, xx:30, and 41 (all Elizabeth line) or xx:55 (Great Western).
Return from Taplow at xx:14, and 44 (it's on the Elizabeth line)
Return from Cookham at xx:44
Get a return to Cookham.
Freedom Pass holders can travel free on the Elizabeth line as far as Maidenhead but would need a ticket (either single or return) from there to Cookham.
Lunch: The suggested place for lunch in Cookham is the Kings Arms (tel 01628 530 667) in the High Street. Alternatives include The Ferry (tel 01628 525 123), and the Bel and the Dragon (tel 01628 521 263). Before Cookham, the Bounty pub (tel 01628 520 056), by the river, serves basic pub grub.
There are teashops as well, notably the Teapot, open till 5
Tea On the way into Maidenhead an attractive place to stop for tea is the terrace bar at Boulter’s Lock (tel 01628 621 291), which serves cream teas (this would also suit defectors to Taplow) or later, Jenners Café. Open till 5.
Directions here
T=1.24


Sunday 04-Feb-24

Mr M Tiger

17.0km (10.6 miles) Toughness 3 out of 10.
This figure-of-9 walk walk, through Wind in the Willows country, first passes artist Stanley Spencer’s former house, then ventures into the hills, with views over the Thames Valley. Later, it drops down to the Thames and returns to Cookham for lunch. The afternoon follows a pretty stretch of the Thames Path to Maidenhead. En route, you could, if you’d rather, cross the river and finish in Taplow. Nothing to stop you dropping out at Cookham, either - maybe after a visit to the Stanley Spencer Gallery. (Adm. £7 last entry 4:00).
Trains:
Take the 10:20 Elizabeth line train from Paddington (Ealing Broadway 10:28). Change at Maidenhead (arr. 10:58, dep 11:03 onto the Marlow train, reaching Cookham at 11:10.
Return from Maidenhead at 12 and 41(both Elizabeth line) or xx:27 (Great Western).
Return from Taplow at xx:15 and 44 (on the Elizabeth line)
Return from Cookham at xx:44
Get a return to Cookham.
Freedom Pass holders can travel free on the Elizabeth line but would need a ticket (either single or return) from Maidenhead to Cookham.
Lunch: Before Cookham, the Bounty pub (tel 01628 520 056), by the river, serves basic pub grub.
The suggested place for lunch in Cookham is the Kings Arms (tel 01628 530 667) in the High Street. Alternatives include The Ferry (tel 01628 525 123), and the Bel and the Dragon (tel 01628 521 263),
Tea: On the way into Maidenhead, the terrace bar at Boulter’s Lock (tel 01628 621 291) is an attractive place to stop for tea (this would also suit defectors to Taplow) or, nearer Maidenhead, there's Jenners Café. Open till 5.
Directions here T=1.24

  • Mon, 05-Feb-24

    Once again Paddington was at a standstill - this time due to a trespasser on the line near Ealing Broadway. It took the railway police an age (and far too long) to catch the offender - so incoming trains were held outside EB for some two hours, and nothing initially left Paddington. I was joined on the London platform by five others - all CLOGies (two with dual "nationality" - SWC and CLOG) who opted for todays SWC walk. Hence I was in very strange, alien company but managed to hold my own as we waited patiently for any train to leave Paddington towards Maidenhead. Fun was had (not really) as we got on then off a number of 'Liz line trains which kept changing their destination - or being cancelled. Eventually a chocker block 'Liz line train departed with us on board and we reached Maidenhead horribly behind schedule. We opted not to wait forty minutes for the next Maidenhead to Marlow service but instead start our walk in Maidenhead. We joined the "Green Way" - a change to the Thames path - and enjoyed an easy, relaxing walk besides a stream then over fields, coming out in Cookham some 400 metres west of the town centre.

    We had a reservation at the Kings Head and four of us enjoyed a very good lunch there, with excellent, friendly service. Our two sandwichers sat in the bar area and patiently waited for us diners to finish our meals. (Nice CLOG influence - SWCers would have pushed off without so much as a goodbye !). In the pub a group of four soon arrived, having driven to Cookham and waited at its railway station for our non-arrival before setting off on a version of today's posted walk - so we can report 10.

    After our lunch the Paddington six set off on a return walk to Maidenhead, this time by the Thames path, passing Clivedon on the opposite bank. Reaching Maidenhead town centre we called in at the Bear 'Spoons pub on the High Street, where tea, coffee and beers were consumed before we proceeded to the railway station. A short wait for a 'Liz line train and we were soon back in London.

    Weather report: very mild cloudy cum overcast dry with a gentle afternoon breeze

    We managed to salvage a very pleasant day's walking following an inauspicious start and the CLOGies proved not to be too alien after all and half decent company ! But walks out of Paddington seem to be a lottery these days. My Oxford walk posted 'twixt Christmas-New Year was badly affected by a station standstill and there have been several other incidents in recent times which have spoilt walks out of Paddington. But good to read travel to and from the SWC Henley-Pangbourne walk the day before us was straightforward - lucky them !

  • Mon, 05-Feb-24

    There are countless problems with the lack of power supply in West London for the Elizabeth line and numerous walks missed trying to travel to walks. Check before you leave home with TFL. Apparently there are insufficient sub stations to power the number of scheduled trains which is even a problem for new housing developments. The infrastructure in West London is old and needs upgrading.

Sunday 01-Jan-23

Marcus
Book 1 Walk 24 - Cookham to Maidenhead or Cookham Circular, or on to Marlow

Length: full walk to Maidenhead - 17 km (10.6 miles)
Cookham Circular - 11.3 km (7 miles)
Cookham to Marlow - 16 km (9.9 miles)
Toughness: all walks - 3 out of 10
London Paddington: 09-41 hrs Elizabeth Line to Reading Ealing Broadway: 09-49 hrs
Arrive Maidenhead: 10-18 hrs Change trains
Leave Maidenhead: 10-29 hrs Great Western service from Maidenhead to Marlow
Arrive Cookham: 10-36 hrs
Return

Cookham to Paddington: 16 mins past the hour, changing at Maidenhead
Marlow to Paddington: 01 mins past the hour, changing at Maidenhead
Maidenhead to Paddington: 5 trains an hour (Elizabeth Line and Great Western) at approx 07, 19, 30, 37 and 49 mins past the hour
Taplow to Paddington: Elizabeth line trains at 10 and 40 mins past the hour
Rail ticket Holders of London Councils Freedom Passes can travel free of charge on Elizabeth line trains from Paddington to Maidenhead. They will just require day returns from Maidenhead to Cookham or Marlow. Everyone else: but a day return to Cookham or Marlow
Travel tip: if travelling by underground to Paddington, allow a little extra time. Some u/g lines have gaps of 15 minutes between trains on NY morning.
Welcome to our New Year's Day Walk West ! The early posting is to allow you to make a reservation at the lunch pub - see below.
We return to Cookham for this year's NYD walk. Once again we will celebrate the arrival of the New Year by toasting it in with some champagne. I will bring along the basic supplies but if one or two of you could bring along a spare bottle then we can have an ever better time ! Likewise, some nibbles always go down well if some of you could bring some with you.
Leaving Cookham we pass through Cookham Dean and head for Bisham Woods. These take us to Winter Hill, where I suggest we stop for our champagne break, whilst enjoying the fine view below of the River Thames valley. After our champagne stop it is downhill to cross some grassy fields as we head for the River. We now follow the tow path all the way to Cookham.
Our suggested lunch stop today is the King's Arms pub in the centre of town. Making a reservation is essential - and the sooner you try to do this the better (some time slots are already fully booked). Try to get the 1-30 pm slot, or as close to it as possible. I have made a reservation for a few of our NYD regulars. The pub requires a deposit of £ 10 a head, so if someone else is making a booking on your behalf, please bring along a tenner with you to reimburse the booker.
After lunch you can call it a day by walking to Cookham railway station for your journey home. Or you can continue your walk - first in failing light then in the dark - to Maidenhead, Marlow or even Taplow, whatever tickles your fancy. Weather conditions on the day might influence your decision.
This is usually a lovely way to start our SWC walking New Year and let's hope closer to the day our plans are not thwarted by rail strikes or other disruptions.
T=1.24
Walk Directions are here: L=1.24



  • Tue, 29-Nov-22

    Marcus, thanks for posting. Will you and regulars be going for 3-course option?

  • Tue, 29-Nov-22

    Hi Anonymous, I expect most will opt for the a la carte menu, and order a main course, but by all means, if you have room for 3 courses after any Christmas excesses, go for it !

  • Sat, 31-Dec-22

    Hi, just wondering if anyone has a sense of how muddy this route is likely to be? Got an injury which means I can't wear boots for a bit but desperately want to do a New Year's day walk.

    Thanks in advance

  • Sat, 31-Dec-22

    The 09.41 Elizabeth line train starts from Paddington main line platforms 11 or 12. (not the underground Elizabeth line platforms A or B). One could get an earlier Elizabeth Line service from central London to Heathrow and change on to this service at Ealing Broadway at 09.49 For further details see below

    https://content.tfl.gov.uk/elizabeth-line-december-2022.pdf

  • Sun, 01-Jan-23

    We managed to salvage today's New Year's Day celebratory walk after a near disastrous start. I arrived at Paddington station early so took the Great Western service to Didcot Parkway as far as Maidenhead, leaving me plenty of time to wait for walking colleagues to arrive on the Elizabeth Line posted service some twenty minutes later. I became a little concerned when the train indicator board started to show the arrival time of the Elizabeth Line service being delayed by two minutes, then five, then ten. A service delayed message next appeared before an announcement came over the station tannoy advising the service was now cancelled. Apparently, the train had broken down at Slough and all passengers had to alight. What to do ? I didn't fancy lugging my two bottles of shampoo around the morning leg of the walk unopened, but I went ahead and caught the connection to Cookham, expecting to walk alone and do just that. At Cookham to my delight and relief there were three "car driver" walkers waiting for the arrival of the Marlow service, with a well behaved eighteen month old cocker spaniel, whose owner sensibly kept him on a lead for the entire walk. At this point I received a text from colleagues stranded at Slough, followed by a phone call from one of them. The fourteen SWC walkers at Slough decided to do a Taplow to Cookham walk, meaning they would arrive at the lunch pub in Cookham an hour before me. A quick conversation with the management of said pub, who were very accommodating and understanding of our situation, and all started to look well. And so it proved to be. The four of us on the walk proper had an enjoyable morning leg, and we stopped as planned on Winter Hill where we toasted in the New Year, relieving me of fifty percent of my bottle weight. Onwards then across some muddy fields to Cookham via the River Thames, where two of my companions stopped off at the riverside Bounty pub for lunch - I hope they had an enjoyable stop.. My companion with her dog said goodbye to me outside the Kings Arms pub and made for Cookham railway station where she had parked up. Inside the pub I found nine of the Taplow starters at a table for ten, very kindly leaving a place for me. Three of their sandwichers joined us for a drink, whilst the remaining two in their group had made for Cookham railway station and home for an early bath. To my relief, and pleasure, the Taplow walkers had enjoyed a champagne stop of their own on their walk - and they had some nice 'photos to prove it ! Our lunch at the Kings Arms was fine, the service friendly, and I even managed to recoup my deposit by some soft shoe shuffling when the bill arrived.

    After lunch we split up. Some went to the Sir Stanley Spencer Gallery before returning home from Cookham. Three set off on a loop from the town to the river then back to Cookham station, whilst six of us headed for Marlow., on the Thames path before walking over some muddy fields. Our timing was fortunate - the light was failing as we entered the Marlow Donkey pub for a quick drink before heading the short distance to Marlow railway station to catch the 17-01 service. On the train we drank the second bottle of the shampoo I had lugged around all darn day, and anaesthetised, we alighted at Maidenhead to connect with a Great Western service to Paddington.

    Today we mustered 18

    As for the weather: it was overcast but very mild . The only rain we encountered arrived as the six of us approached Marlow. There was a lot of slippery mud on the main walk and the route to Marlow was also muddy. Conditions under foot were not too bad from Taplow to Cookham.

    It was a nice way to start our SWC walking year - in delightful SWC company.

    Finally, let me thank Sandy and Wednesday walkers for presenting me with a bottle of best Scottish Highland malt whiskey which I will enjoy on a winter's evening.

    From me - it's over and out !

Sunday 16-Oct-22

Mr M Tiger
Mr M Tiger
17.0km (10.6 miles) Toughness 3 out of 10.
In an area that inspired Kenneth Grahame to write The Wind in the Willows, this figure-of-9 walk passes artist Stanley Spencer’s former home then ventures into the hills, with views over the Thames Valley. Later it drops down to the Thames and returns to Cookham for lunch. The afternoon follows a pretty stretch of the Thames Path to Maidenhead. En route, you could, if you’d rather, cross the river and finish in Taplow. Nothing to stop you dropping out at Cookham either - maybe after a visit to the Stanley Spencer Gallery.
Trains
Take the 9:41 Elizabeth line train from Paddington (Ealing Broadway 09:49). Change at Maidenhead (arr. 10:18, dep 10:29) onto the Marlow train, reaching Cookham at 10:36. Get a return to Cookham.
Return from Maidenhead at xx:17and xx:47 (both Elizabeth line) or xx:30(Great Western).
Return from Taplow at xx:20 and xx:50 (it's also on the Elizabeth line)
Return from Cookham at xx:16
Freedom Pass holders can travel free on the Elizabeth line as far as Maidenhead but would need a ticket (either single or return) from there to Cookham.
Lunch: Before Cookham, the Bounty pub (tel 01628 520 056), by the river, serves basic pub grub.
The suggested place for lunch in Cookham is the Kings Arms (tel 01628 530 667) in the High Street. Alternatives include The Ferry (tel 01628 525 123), and the Bel and the Dragon (tel 01628 521 263),
Tea On the way into Maidenhead, there's the terrace bar at Boulter’s Lock (tel 01628 621 291), which serves cream teas (this would also suit defectors to Taplow) or later, Jenners Café. .
Directions here
T=1.24


Wednesday 20-Jul-22

Marcus
Book 1 Walk 24 - Cookham to Maidenhead (or Cookham Circular)

Length: 17 Km (10.6 miles) Circular walk 11.3 km (7 miles)
Toughness: 3 out of 10 A few easy ups and downs in the morning, afternoon totally flat
Either
London Paddington: 09-57 hrs Great Western service to Didcot Parkway Ealing B'Way: 10-05 hrs
Arrive Maidenhead: 10-31 hrs Change trains
Leave Maidenhead: 10-35 hrs Great Western service from Maidenhead to Marlow
Arrive Cookham: 10-42 hrs
Or For London Councils Freedom Pass holders
London Paddington: 09-43 hrs TfL Rail Elizabeth Line to Reading Ealing B'Way: 09-50 hrs
Arrive Maidenhead: 10-24 hrs Change trains
Leave Maidenhead: 10-35 hrs Great Western service from Maidenhead to Marlow (as above)
Arrive Cookham: 10-42 hrs
Return

Cookham to Paddington, changing at Maidenhead: Great Western services at 15-22, 16-15 and 17-32 hrs
Maidenhead to Paddington: six trains an hour (TfL Rail and Great Western services)
Taplow to Paddington: four Elizabeth Line stopping services per hour to Paddington: 03, 14, 33 and 44 mins past the hour
Rail ticket: Seniors holding Freedom Passes, if travelling on TfL Rail, Elizabeth Line trains, travel free of charge from Paddington to Maidenhead, leaving them to pay for a single from Maidenhead to Cookham (or a day return to Cookham if on today's circular walk). Everyone else: buy a day return to Cookham.
If the weather forecasters have got it right, temperatures today should be bearable for walking and maybe / hopefully even pleasant.
Today's figure of nine walk loops around the hills above Cookham (plenty of shade after the start) with fine views of the Thames Valley from Winter Hill, before you drop down to the River Thames, for riverside breezes, for a most pleasant riverside walk back to Cookham, where I suggest you stop for lunch. Of the pub options available, popular with SWC walkers is the Kings Arms in the High Street. Picnickers often stop earlier beside the River Thames. You can complete today's walk in Cookham, by walking from the High Street to the railway station (allow 20 minutes). If opting for the short walk today, you might like to visit the Stanley Spencer Gallery in the town, and or visit Cliveden.
For those on today's longer walk, you walk beside the River Thames on the Thames path (plenty of shade), passing Cliveden on the opposite bank before continuing on to Maidenhead. A good tea stop just before you leave the river is at Boulter's Lock. From here you continue on to Maidenhead or cross a bridge and head for Taplow. Alternative tea stops in Maidenhead include the usual suspect coffee shops plus several pubs for those who prefer a tincture at walk end.
Directions for the walk ending at Taplow Railway Station are shown in the Directions after the main walk.
T=1.24
Walk Directions are here: L=1.24
  • Wed, 20-Jul-22

    Just2 of us on the walk this week. Weather was warm and mostly overcast . We enjoyed the undulations in the morning and wondered why fields of potatoes were planted with lacy phacelia around the edges. We were intrigued to encounter a herd of cows having a paddle in the Thames. We went our separate ways as we approached Cookham, as one of us intended to do the shorter walk. However, a change of heart meant we met up again just outside Maidenhead and agreed we deserved an ice cream from Jenners Café. We opted to take the slightly longer route to the station via Guards Club Park and were back at the station in time to get the 15.55 home.

    A nice day out and thanks to Marcus for posting.

Sunday 06-Feb-22

Mr M Tiger
17.0km (10.6 miles)
Toughness 3 out of 10.
This figure-of-9 walk passes artist Stanley Spencer’s former house then ventures into the surrounding hills with views over the Thames Valley. The area inspired the Wind in the Willows and author Kenneth Grahame lived locally. After dropping down to the Thames, the route returns you to Cookham for lunch. The afternoon follows a pretty stretch of the Thames Path to Maidenhead. En route, you could, if you’d rather, cross the river and finish in Taplow. Nothing to stop you finishing in Cookham either - maybe after a visit to the Stanley Spencer Gallery.
Trains
Take the 09:43 Tfl Reading train (Ealing Broadway 09:51). Change at Maidenhead (arr. 10:24, dep 10:29) onto the Marlow train, reaching Cookham at 10:36.
Return from Maidenhead at xx:05 and xx:35 (both Tfl) or xx:27 (Great Western).
Return from Taplow at xx:08 and xx:38 (on the same Tfl trains).
Return from Cookham at xx:10.
Get a return to Cookham.
Freedom Pass holders can travel free on Tfl trains as far as Maidenhead but need to buy a ticket (either single or return) from there to Cookham.
Lunch: Before Cookham, the Bounty pub (tel 01628 520 056), by the river, serves basic pub grub.
The suggested place for lunch in Cookham is the Kings Arms (tel 01628 530 667) in the High Street. Alternatives include The Ferry (tel 01628 525 123), and the Bel and the Dragon (tel 01628 521 263),
Tea On the way into Maidenhead a particularly attractive place to stop for tea is the up-market terrace bar at Boulter’s Lock (tel 01628 621 291), which serves cream teas (this would also suit defectors to Taplow) or later, the more prosaic Jenners Café.
Directions here
T=1.24


Wednesday 18-Aug-21

Marcus
Book 1, Walk 24 - Cookham to Maidenhead

Full walk: 17 km (10.6 miles). Circular walk ending in Cookham 7 miles. Walk ending in Marlow 10 miles
Toughness: 3 out of 10
Either
London Paddington: 09-56 hrs GreatWestern service to Reading Ealing Broadway 10-05 hrs
Arrive Maidenhead: 10-30 hrs Change trains
Leave Maidenhead: 10-34 hrs GreatWestern service to Marlow
Arrive Cookham: 10-41 hrs
Or - for holders of Freedom Passes
London Paddington: 09-43 hrs TFL Rail service to Reading Ealing Broadway 09-51 hrs
Arrive Maidenhead : 10-24 hrs Change trains
Leave Maidenhead: 10-34 hrs GreatWestern service to Marlow
Arrive Cookham: 10-41 hrs
Return

Marlow to Paddington, changing at Maidenhead: 17-18, 17-47 and 18-24 hrs
Cookham to Paddington, changing at Maidenhead: 15 mins past the hour up to and including16-15, then 17-32 hrs
Maidenhead to Paddington: direct trains at 17-15, 17-24, 17-35, 17-45, 17-55, 18-05, 18-15 hrs and so on
Rail ticket Senior walkers holding Freedom Passes and travelling on TFL Rail trains: purchase an off-peak single from Maidenhead to Cookham. Everyone else - buy a day return to Cookham
According to the History notes, the last time this walk was posted was on New Year's Day 2018 - and I remember it well. No bubbly will be dispensed on Winters Hill today, but there should still be plenty left to enjoy on a longer, Summer's day.
Leaving Cookham we cross Cookham Dean then head into woodland and up to Winters Hill, with its fine views of the Thames Valley below. Then we descend to Cookham via a sweep of the River Thames before we enter the town, for lunch at the Kings Arms on the High Street.
After lunch we have a choice: to conclude the walk in Cookham, after maybe enjoying a more leisurely lunch, or heading for Marlow across meadows, or walking along the Thames and below Cliveden all the way to Maidenhead.
T=1.24
Walk Directions are here: L=1.24
  • Thu, 19-Aug-21

    20 set out. The weather was cloudy with sunny intervals Your correspondent was surprised to turn round and find 19 people following him. Like a bellwether with its flock. This giddy moment didn’t last and soon I was jockeying for position at the back.

    On we went through a wood that has changed its name (was Bisham, now Quarry). Eventually, Cookham was reached, but not before I encountered a wild beast in the churchyard. A snake! Big as a house it was, with slavering jaws. Well, maybe not quite that big but a good 3 feet long. Near Stanley Spencer’s stone. A grass snake I think but it didn't hang around.It slid off at quite a lick, anxious to avoid this paparazzo’s attention. I managed to fire off a few shots before it disappeared under a tombstone.

    Still shaking with excitement, I ventured into the Kings Arms and asked if they had any walkers in. Would you believe the barman started rummaging through the crisp packets!

    I counted about 8 in there (walkers not crisps). They seemed to be enjoying their food. Some were ending the walk there, and one went to Taplow (pleasanter ending apparently). At least one went in the gallery. I went on to Maidenhead and I presume others did too.

    The first leg of this section was better than I expected (I usually find walking by the Thames a bit dull) but this doesn’t last. The walk gets progressively urban, and stays urban for a long way before the station is reached, some of which is along a busy road.

  • Anonymous
    Thu, 19-Aug-21

    http://www.cleavebooks.co.uk/grol/jerome/3men12.htm

    From 'Three Men in a Boat',set near Maidenhead. The chapter where our heroes try to open a tin of pineapples.

  • Sandy
    Thu, 19-Aug-21

    Great snake-spotting Mr T, sorry to have missed that.

    Six of us headed for Taplow after having lunch in the churchyard or just before. I thought the quiet section of the river just between Cookham and the beginning of Maidenhead was very nice. Route-finding through "Taplow Village" was a bit tricky owing to a closed bridge at grid ref SU905817, leaving us picking our way through a Stepfordesque new housing development.

    We had a pint in a roadside pub which was not quite as near Taplow station as we thought, and had to dash for the 1538 train.

  • Thu, 19-Aug-21

    If only I'd known. I could have found this for them after I found their snake. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-58258647

Monday 01-Jan-18

Marcus
Book 1, Walk 24 - Cookham Circular

 Cookham Dean, Winter Hill, return to Cookham via the Thames, option to continue in the dark to Maidenhead on the Thames path

Length - Cookham Circular: 11.3 km (7 miles) Cookham to Maidenheasd: 17 km (10.6 miles)
Toughness (both): 3 out of 10 (more if muddy)

A short walk with a late start and a late lunch - to see in the New Year in a relaxing way.

London Paddington: 10-37 hrs Didcot Parkway service. Ealing Broadway 10-45 hrs
Arrive Maidenhead: 11-24 hrs
Leave Maidenhead: 11-38 hrs Marlow service
Arrive Cookham: 11-45 hrs

Return: Cookham to Paddington: 21 mins past the hour
Maidenhead to Paddington: 15 and 47 mins past the hour

Setting out from Cookham railway station we head through residential streets then over fields to Cookham Dean. Onwards then to Bisham Woods where we head uphill through the woods, then along a ridge path to Winter Hill, to enjoy a fine view of the Thames Valley below. During the morning, as is customary on our NY Day walks, we will stop to toast in the New Year with some bubbles: if I bring the shampoo perhaps one of you could bring along some savoury nibbles to enjoy with our liquid refreshment.
We then have a lengthy descent to Cock Marsh for a walk alongside the Thames all the way back to the centre of Cookham, for a late, unhurried lunch at the Kings Arms. I have made a booking for a number of our usual NY Day regulars.
Lunch over, it will be dark, so those happy with just the morning's exertions should head through the town for the railway station for a return journey to London. If you don't hurry lunch your likely train will be the 17-21 hrs service.
The adventurous can embark on a 3.6 mile moonlight walk to Maidenhead. Once on the Thames path your way should be perfectly safe and straightforward in the dark. A torch might be handy for the short woodland section before you reach this path.

Our New Year's Days Walks, North or West are usually enjoyable occasions.
T=1.24
The Walk Directions are here: L=1.24


  • Tue, 02-Jan-18

    Never mind fireworks over the London Eye, the best way to see in the New Year is always on Marcus’ New Year’s Day Walk, and so it proved once again this year. After the excitement of an electric train ride out of Paddington (“GWR Electrostar” - goodbye to noisy three car diesels!) we set off in cloud and occasional slight rain, but the skies brightened around lunchtime as we had our champagne on Winter Hill and thereafter we had at least some sun. Our festivities were fuelled, as per usual, by two bottles of bubbly manfully carried our walk poster, who thus earns triple brownie points with gold bars, and we also shared some nice nibbles and a fine view. There was then the pleasant walk down to and along the river to Cookham, only slightly marred by some slippery mud on the riverbank.

    The idea of having a late lunch to give us time for the champers was a good one. Luckily the booking at the King’s Arms had been made for 12, the exact number on the walk. Very tasty food - including an all-vegan nut roast - and friendly and attentive service made for a convivial end to the day.

    Most then took the train home but four of us set to walk in the moonlight to Cookham. It was a big bright full moon but unfortunately was still low enough in the sky to be hidden by the wooded ridge on the far side of the river. Having failed to persuade my companions to dawdle and wait for it to rise higher, I hung back and was rewarded by it peeping over the ridge about 20 minutes later. Another walker then joined me and we had more nice moonlight before sadly surrendering to the glaring lights of civilisation.

Sunday 01-Oct-17

Chris L
Cookham to Maidenhead
Length: 17km (10.6 miles) Toughness: 3/10

09:32 Maidenhead train from Paddington, changing at Maidenhead (arr 09:56, dep 10:25) arriving at Cookham at 10:32.
Or take the 09:24 from Ealing Broadway to Maidenhead to connect with the same onward train.

Return trains from Maidenhead are at xx:09 and xx:36 (journey time 44 minutes).

This fairly easy walk loops around the hills above Cookham before following the Thames back to the town for lunch. Although at least two-thirds of the walk is covered in the morning, starting out from Cookham at 10:30 should get you to the lunch pub at a reasonable hour. A short afternoon route along a pretty stretch of the Thames Path then takes you into Maidenhead. You’ll probably have time after lunch to explore Cookham, and perhaps visit the Stanley Spencer Gallery, before recommencing the walk.

The recommended lunch pub is The King’s Arms in Cookham’s High Street (01628 530667), but there are several other options. Tea can be taken at Boulter’s Lock, or at any one of numerous options in Maidenhead.

More details and the walk directions can be found on the walk’s information page. On the Comments page, comment #5 sugests a couple of short detours near the end of the walk.
T=1.24

Saturday 09-Apr-16

HollieB
Book 1 Walk 24 - Cookham to Maidenhead
10.6 miles/17.0km 3 out of 10

This walk heads up over Winter Hill and back to Cookham for lunch, before continuing along the Thames Path to Maidenhead.

There are various ways to shorten the route, including a finish at Cookham after 7 miles.

(The original version of this walk was a circular back to Cookham, if you have an old copy of Book 1 then please download the latest walk directions)

Trains: Take the 9:50 Oxford train from London Paddington (9:58 Ealing Broadway), changing at Maidenhead (arrives 10:35) for the 10:38 to Cookham, arriving 10:45. Return trains from Maidenhead at xx20 xx50. Buy a day return to Cookham.

Lunch: There is plenty of choice in Cookham. A few options: The Kings Arms (tel 01628 530 667) in the High Street, varied food menu offering good value. The Ferry (tel 01628 525 123), has a patio overlooking the river. Bel and the Dragon (tel 01628 521 263), pub-restaurant in a 15th century building, also on the High Street.

Tea: Maidenhead town has plenty of options, but if you would like to stop somewhere along the River Thames just before the town there are a couple of places: the up-market terrace bar at Boulter’s Lock (tel 01628 621 291) serves cream teas, while further along is Jenners Café (tel 01628 621 721) in the Riverside Gardens.

Click here for full walk details and online directions

T=1.24
  • Anonymous
    Sat, 09-Apr-16

    20 got off of the train and 3 more joined us at lunch so say 23 on the walk

    Weather was cloud and occasoional spots of rain and maybe a few moments of sun

    Nice walk which was flat and very little mud and an excellent lunch in the Kings Arms Cookham

    Nice day really

    or

    Really nice day

    Monika

Sunday 15-Nov-15

Sean
Book 1 Walk 24 – Cookham to Maidenhead
Length: 17 km (10.6 miles). Toughness: 3/10

09:43 Oxford train from Paddington (Ealing Broadway 09:52), changing at Maidenhead (arr 10:26, dep 10:35) and arriving Cookham at 10:42. Buy a day return to Cookham.

Trains back from from Maidenhead are half-hourly, at 12 & 42 minutes past.

The first part of this walk takes you out through Bisham Woods to a fine viewpoint on Winter Hill, then back along the Thames Path to Cookham village. Those who want a pub lunch will have to decide between The Ferry by the river, the King's Arms and Bel and the Dragon on the High Street and The Crown on Cookham Moor.

Cookham station is only a short walk away if you want an early finish, but that would miss out a fine afternoon section past the wooded cliffs of Cliveden on the other side of the Thames. If you stop at one of the riverside tea places on the way into Maidenhead you could then take the more interesting route to the station; the alternative route goes past more tea places in the town centre.

You'll need to print the directions from the Walk 24 page, or bring the latest edition of Book 1. T=1.24
  • Colin
    Sat, 14-Nov-15

    I plan to go.