Henley via Stonor Circular walk

Long walk through the Chilterns over gentle rolling grassy hills. Historic riverside Henley for tea.

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, 01-Jun-24 Henley via Stonor Circular 5
Sun, 25-Feb-24 Hidden valleys of the southern Chilterns - Henley Circular via Stonor 5 dry
Sun, 29-Oct-23 a Henley Circular via Middle Assendon
Wed, 01-Mar-23 a Henley circular with Middle Assendon short cut 11 cold mostly grey
Sun, 27-Nov-22 a Henley Circular via Middle Assendon 7 cloudy and dry all day
Sun, 28-Nov-21 a Henley Circular via Middle Assendon 10 bright and sunny if cold
Sat, 03-Jul-21 Henley via Stonor Circular walk 8 muggy but dry
Sun, 09-Feb-20 a Henley Circular via Middle Assendon Storm Ciara
Sun, 06-Oct-19 Henley via Stonor 3 sun and cloud
Sun, 05-May-19 Henley Circular via Stonor 6 cloudy aand cold
Sat, 07-Jul-18 A Shaded Walk Out West: Henley-on-Thames Circular via Stonor 3 hot in the exposed sections
Sun, 25-Mar-18 Henley Circular via Stonor 11
Sat, 28-Jan-17 Henley hills and woods 20 dry sunny mild am dry cloudy pm culminating in intense but brief hailstorm
Sun, 15-Jan-17 2: The Chilterns near Henley
Sat, 24-Sep-16 Saturday Third Walk: Westerly End of the Chilterns - Mixed Woods, Quiet Valleys, Undulating, Superb Pub 15 sunny weather
Sun, 17-Apr-16 Second Chiltern hills and a stately home 5
Sat, 24-Oct-15 Saturday Second Walk - Chiltern beechwoods, lovely views and chocolate cake for tea 17 grey with one shower then heavy rain from 4pm
Sun, 23-Nov-14 a Henley via Stonor Circular (short walk) 0
Wed, 25-Jun-14 b Henley via Stonor Circular, with Stonor short cut
Sun, 27-Oct-13 a Henley via Stonor Circular (short walk) 0
Sat, 06-Apr-13 b Henley via Stonor Circular, with Stonor short cut 16
Sun, 17-Mar-13 a Henley via Stonor Circular (short walk) 3
Sun, 17-Mar-13 b Henley via Stonor Circular, with Stonor short cut
Sun, 03-Feb-13 a Henley via Stonor Circular (short walk) 5
Sun, 02-Sep-12 Henley via Stonor Circular
Sun, 19-Feb-12 a Henley via Stonor Circular (short walk)
Sat, 10-Dec-11 a Henley via Stonor Circular (short walk)
Sun, 25-Sep-11 Henley via Stonor Circular
Wed, 06-Jul-11 b Henley via Stonor Circular, with Stonor short cut
Sun, 09-Jan-11 a Henley via Stonor Circular (short walk)
Sun, 16-May-10 Henley via Stonor Circular
Sat, 20-Feb-10 a Henley via Stonor Circular (short walk)
Sat, 17-Oct-09 Henley via Stonor Circular
Sun, 17-May-09 Henley via Stonor Circular
Sun, 23-Nov-08 a Henley via Stonor Circular
Sat, 05-Jul-08 Henley via Stonor Circular
Sat, 02-Feb-08 a Henley via Stonor Circular
Sat, 08-Sep-07 Henley via Stonor Circular
Sun, 28-Jan-07 a Henley via Stonor Circular
Sat, 20-Jan-07 a Henley via Stonor Circular
Sat, 21-Oct-06 Henley via Stonor Circular
Sat, 01-Jun-24 : Henley via Stonor Circular 5
PeteG
PeteG
Length: via Stonor shortcut 19.1km (11.9 miles) 6 out of 10 T=2.6
"Henley is normally thought of as a riverside town but, as this walk demonstrates, it is also on the southern edge of the Chiltern Hills, a charming area of hidden valleys, mixed woodland and farmland, and largely gentle slopes (although the main walk does have one substantial steep hill after lunch). The walk takes you up one side and down the other of the long valley leading up to Stonor, with plenty of charming views and some fine beechwoods en route. This is also a wonderful walk in which to see red kites, a bird of prey that has been successfully re-introduced here, and which can often be seen wheeling slowly overhead."
Trains: Get the 0938 Didcot train from Paddington and change at Twford, 1009, for the 1015 to Henley arriving 1027. Or the Elizabeth Line 0916 Paddington 0926 Ealing Broadway 1006 Twyford. Note that the Elisabeth line is not running through central London this weekend Return trains at xx00 and xx30.
Lunch: is a picnic at the top of the hill on the shortcut.
Tea: Plenty of options in Henley

  • Wed, 29-May-24

    I led this for The Ramblers today, so just a heads-up on ground conditions: some high grass and a few short overgrown paths with a few nettles, but nothing major. Plenty of mud though pm in the woods, which most likely will still be there come Saturday. Also a flooded bit of road after Bix village with hedges on both side, ie no avoiding wading through it. That water level may have lowered by the weekend, of course.

  • Thu, 30-May-24

    Hello, I can't find the PDF with the full directions or a walk map

  • Thu, 30-May-24

    Use the link cw2.6 in green at top of the post

  • Thu, 30-May-24

    Further to Thomas'comment above: You should get through the short flooded section in a minute or two, but care will be needed as well as trustworthy boots. Lovely walk enjoyed by all.

  • Fri, 31-May-24

    That bit of road was flooded when I did the walk in 2021 - is it ever dry?

  • Sat, 01-Jun-24

    5 on the train for this energetic walk with great views and lovely woods. No mud to speak of and the promised flood had retreated enough give a dry path through. At The Rainbow, two deserted for the short walk, leaving three. A quick pint/tea in Henley and the 1600 home. On arriving at Twyford were greated by a gang of revenue people inspecting tickets.

Length: 22.2 km (13.8 mi) (Shortcut and Short Walk possible, see the webpage or the pdf for details]
Ascent/Descent: 480m
Net Walking Time: 5 ½ hours
Toughness: 6 out of 10
Take the 09.38 Didcot Parkway train from Paddington (09.54 Slough), change at Twyford (10.07/10.15), arrives Henley-on-Thames 10.27.
Return trains: 17.00, 17.30, 18.30, 19.00, 20.00 (change at Twyford, from 49 mins journey time).
Twyford is also served by Crossrail (aka the Elizabeth Line).
Henley is normally thought of as a riverside town but, as this walk demonstrates, it is also on the southern edge of the Chiltern Hills, a charming area of hidden valleys, mixed woodland and farmland, and largely gentle slopes (although the main walk does have one substantial steep hill after lunch). The walk takes you up one side and down the other of the long valley leading up to Stonor, with plenty of charming views and some fine beechwoods en route. This is also a wonderful walk in which to see red kites, a bird of prey that has been successfully re-introduced here, and which can often be seen wheeling slowly overhead.
Lunch : Picnic (the only remining pub on this route is passed after just 5 km, ie way too early.
Tea: a plethora of options in Henley, you will all have your favourites (see the webpage for details).
For summary, map, height profile, photos, walk directions/options and gpx/kml files click here. T=2.6
  • Sun, 25-Feb-24

    3 SWC regulars plus 2 friends of one of them on this walk, which had rain forecast from early afternoon. Just a sub-optimal walk posting, or the FWC (Fairweather Walkers' Club) in full operation?

    We started in sunshine (one pair of sunglasses weas indeed worn) and kept up a good pace, while enjoying the views from the early ridges, with - initially - still the last of the overnight mist rising up from the valleys. Loads of kites and buzzards were circling above all day. The meagre leaf coverage on the trees enabled more intense study of more nearby sights, like some brilliant fungi and mosses on dead or live trees. The Rainbow Inn wasn't open yet when we passed (the Elenvenses word had been mentioned) and up we went again to another rounded ridge with views. After Stonor Park, 3 took the Shortcut and 2 the Main Walk. Picnic lunch was later had in the respective churches (Pishill/Bix Bottom).

    The 2 caught up with the 3 just before George Harrison's former abode on Henley's outskirts.

    The 2 then paid custom to The Rowbarge Inn, while the 3 walked on further for a sugar fix.

    16.00 hours train for the 2, a later one for the 3 (presumably). And as we waited on the platform, the pitter patter of the first rain drops of the day became audible on the platform canopy...

    Mud: not much, and never a problem.

    Standing water: not really any, apart from a 10m stretch of a road just past Bix (but it was shallow and the shallowest bits could be easily identified).

    Flooding: the Thames was very full indeed (it was lapping onto the riverside path in Henley) and also moving at great pace, and the landscape around Wargrave and Shiplake stations seen from the train had turned into a southern version of The Lakes.

    A great winter walk, methinks.

    5 dry

Mr M Tiger
Mr M Tiger

14 km 8.8 miles, Difficulty 6 out of 10
The clocks went back last night and they’re not happy about it. AT ALL. When will they listen?


This Chilterns walk, a shortened version of the Stonor circular, still has dramatic views. And – fingers crossed – autumn colour.
Trains: Get the 9:18 Reading bound Elizabeth Line from Paddington (Ealing Broadway 09:26). Change at Twyford for the Henley train (arr 10:00platform 3, dep 10:15 platform 5) arrive Henley 10:28.
It is also possible to catch the 9:35 GWR train from Paddington, changing at Twyford for the same train.
Trains return at xx:01 and 31 changing again at Twyford. (The xx:31 connects best with the GWR service, but there is a half-hourly Elizabeth Line).
Get a return to Henley-on-Thames.
Freedom Pass holders can travel free on the Elizabeth Line as far as Twyford but still need a return from there to Henley.
Lunch: The Rainbow in Middle Assendon (01491-574879).
Tea: The Chocolate Café (tel 01491 411 412) on Thameside (Henley’s waterfront) open to 5pm. The station is 5 minutes away.
Henley has more than its fair share of pubs. The Angel is nearest the café. There’s also a Wetherspoons on the High Street.
Walk Directions: here. We are doing the shorter version that heads left for Bix Bottom after the Rainbow (paragraph 22).
Any hardnuts up for the full walk should note that the Crown in Pishill is still closed.
T=2.6.a


Sandy

Length 14.4 km (8.9 miles), 3/10

An early posting because I will be away for this walk. The short version of this walk works well in winter so I'm suggesting it for today. If you fancy the full 22km version (see below) you might want to make an earlier start.

Travel: Elizabeth Line 1012 from Paddington (Ealing Broadway 1022), changing at Twyford on to the 1115 to Henley, and arriving 1127. Return trains at 00 and 30. If you're feeling lucky you could get the 1027 GWR train from Paddington which gives you 7 minutes to change in Twyford.

Holders of different passes and railcards will know how far their pass gets them and to buy a return to Henley from there.

Lunch: The Rainbow Inn Middle Assendon (01491 574879), only 5km (3 miles) into the walk, got a good write-up when visited last November.

Tea: many options in Henley, but the Chocolate Cafe (01491 411412) and the Catherine Wheel (Wetherspoons, 01491848488) cater for varying tastes.

Long walk options: Carrying on to Stonor gives a walk of 19km/11.9 miles (no lunch pub), or the full walk from Book 2 with a lunch stop in Pishill is 22km (13.8 miles) and 6/10.

For walk directions, map and GPX click here and follow the Short Walk directions from para 22.

T=2.6.a

By the way . . . I'm going to be away for my two May slots (10th and 24th) so any requests and suggestions for those dates would be particularly welcome - please post under Walk Requests here .

  • Sun, 05-Mar-23

    11 in cold mostly grey weather. 3 arrived on an earlier train and 8 did the shortest loop. Three (not the early starters) did the loop via Stonor. The Rainbow Inn had just reopened after a three week closure and the Brakspear’s beer had yet to be replenished. My order of ham, egg, and chips had lots of very cold ham but a minute portion of chips plus a small and rapidly cooling egg.

Mr M Tiger
Mr M Tiger

14 km 8.9 miles, Difficulty 7 out of 10
This Chilterns walk, a shortened version of the Stonor circular, still has dramatic views.
Trains: Get the 09:43 Reading bound Elizabeth Line from Paddington (Ealing Broadway 9:51 ). Change at Twyford for the Henley train (arr 10:32 platform 3, dep 10:45 platform 5) arrive Henley 10:57.
Trains return at xx:00 and xx:30, changing again at Twyford, (the 00 is the better connection for the GWR train). Get a return to Henley-on-Thames. (Freedom Pass holders can travel free to Twyford and back- on the Elizabeth Line only - but will need a return ticket from there to Henley)
Lunch: The Rainbow in Middle Assendon (01491-574879).
Tea: The Chocolate Café (tel 01491 411 412) on Thameside (Henley’s waterfront) open weekends to 5pm. 5 minutes from the station.
Henley has more than its fair share of pubs for those in need of a restorative. The Angel is near the café.There's also a Wetherspoons
Walk Directions: available here. We are doing the shorter version that heads left for Bix Bottom after the Rainbow (paragraph 22).
T=2.6.a

  • Tue, 29-Nov-22

    7 on a day that was cloudy and dry all day This despite a drizzly gloomy start to the day that probably deterred a few. Like for instance the walk poster. The Rainbow was a hit with 6 eating there. As was the Chocolate Cafe later. According to sources, the walk was enjoyed and autumn colour was experienced.

Mr M Tiger
Mr M Tiger

14 km 8.8 miles, Difficulty 7 out of 10
This Chilterns walk, a shortened version of the Stonor circular, still has dramatic views.
Trains: Get the 09:42 Tfl Reading train from Paddington (Ealing Broadway 09:50). Change at Twyford for the Henley train (arr 10:31 platform 3, dep 10:45 platform 5) arrive Henley 10:57.
Get a return to Henley-on-Thames. Trains from Henley at xx:27 xx:57 till 16:59 17:36 18:07 18:42 (and later).
Freedom Pass holders can travel as far as Twyford on the Tfl trains but still need to buy a return from there to Henley.
Full ticket holders can (if they wish) change again at Slough for a faster return to Paddington.

Lunch: The Rainbow in Middle Assendon (01491-574879).

Tea: The Chocolate Café (tel 01491 411 412) on Henley’s waterfront, open weekends to 5pm. The station is 5 minutes away. Henley has plenty of pubs. The Angel is nearest the café.

Walk Directions: available here. We are doing the shorter version that heads left for Bix Bottom after the Rainbow (paragraph 22).

(Any dinosaurs thinking of using Ye Olde Book 2 through Lambridge Woods, don’t. The paths have changed. One of our dinosaurs did just that recently and is lucky not to be still missing). The online directions work fine.

If anyone is contemplating the longer walk via Pishill, note that the Crown 01491 638364 is currently closed . Their website, claiming they would reopen soon, disappeared recently. ( With shorter daylight, this option not recommended anyway).
T=2.6.a


  • Sun, 28-Nov-21

    10 on a bright and sunny if cold day. Fshoom!! and we were off. Yours truly slightly slower than the rest. But not very. Trees almost bare but still some sparkles of colour. The slope down to Middle Assendon has been planted with saplings. Couldn’t help thinking that, soon, that particular view will be lost. 3 stopped at the Rainbow, 2 to eat, 1 to drink. Seemed good. Cash only today. Technical issues. Then off along the icy shortcut to Bix Bottom, kites circling overhead. A detour to the ruined church of St James for me. Still there. Still ruined. This put me further behind the others. Meanwhile, a drama was unfolding near Lambridge Woods. The dip in the road was flooded. Gasp! My spies tell me some managed to detour round. Others cadged a lift across in a range rover. My later attempt was only partly successful. Successful in that I got through. Unsuccessful in that so did the water. Nobody deserves wet socks, Not on their birthday.

    And so to Henley where my spies observed 3 go to a Wetherspoons and 4 to the Chocolate Café. They had gone by the time I looked in. Most had got the 3:30. Just as well they went for that one because it was running. (There was only one an hour, not two as I had mistakenly posted). Caught me out, I can tell you . One walked on to Shiplake.

    Good day out. Except for the socks.

Sat, 03-Jul-21 : Henley via Stonor Circular walk 8
PeteG
PeteG

Henley via Stonor Circular walk

T=2.6
Length: 22.2km (13.8 miles) or 14.4km (8.9 miles) 6 out of 10
The walk takes you up one side and down the other of the long valley leading up to Stonor, with plenty of charming views.
The pub in Pishill is still closed, so perhaps not worth walking quite that far, but worth doing a bit more than the shortcut. Follow the main route past the short cut until you come to a footpath on the right going uphill just after after Whitepond Farm.
Covid 19 Please register on Eventbrite here (no login needed)
Trains: Get the 0957 GWR Didcott train from Paddington (Ealing Broadway 1005), changing at Twyford 1037 departing 1046 for Henley at 1058. Leave earlier to use TFL rail. Return trains are xx01.
Lunch: " A fine picnic spot is the top of the hill on the Stonor short cut (paragraph 34), where you have a sweeping view of Stonor Park house."
Tea: Various options in Henley.
  • Sat, 03-Jul-21

    8 got off an unusually crowded Henley train. We soon became a group of 5 & 3, with 4 of us doing the book long shortcut, 1 the full walk & 3 the short shortcut. muggy but dry and 7 met up again for the final stage into Henley. 2 on the 1601, the rest stopped for tea & cakes (I'm guessing at The Chocolate Cafe, which now has an outside seating area across the road).

  • Anonymous
    Sat, 03-Jul-21

    Just to add to Pete's comment - five had tea and cake at Chocolate cafe (very pleasant outside seating by the river), we also met the one who did 14 miles who decided not to stop for tea. All of us caught 5:01pm train back - again the train from Henley to Twyford was quite busy. This was my first Saturday outing with the club since March last year, it was just like the good old days, a nice day out in good company.

Mr M Tiger
Mr M Tiger
Book 2 Walk 6, 14 km 8.8 miles, Difficulty 7 out of 10
This Chilterns walk, a shortened version of the Stonor circular, still has dramatic views.
Trains: Get the 10:24 Reading train from Paddington (Ealing Broadway 10:32). Change at Twyford for the Henley train (arr 11:00 platform 3, dep 11:15 platform 5) arrive Henley 11:27.
Trains return at xx:00 and xx:30, changing again at Twyford.
Get a return to Henley-on-Thames.
Lunch: The Rainbow in Middle Assendon (01491-574879).
Tea: The Chocolate Café (tel 01491 411 412) on Thameside (Henley’s waterfront) open weekends to 6pm. The station is 5 minutes away.
Henley has more than its fair share of pubs for those in need of something stronger. The Angel is nearest the café.
Walk Directions: available here. We are doing the shorter version that heads left for Bix Bottom after the Rainbow (paragraph 22).
T here's a storm coming. Trains may be affected. Trees could blow over. Do you want to be out in it?
T=2.6.a
Sun, 06-Oct-19 : Henley via Stonor 3
Stargazer
Stargazer
SWC Book 2 – Walk 6: Henley Circular via Stonor

Distance: 13.8 miles or 22.2 km for those more metrically minded with shorter options available – one reducing the walk to 8.9 miles/14.4 km and one to 11.9 miles/19.9km -- see walk instructions for detials

Difficulty: 6 out of 10

Train: Take the 9:45AM Great Western Reading train from London Paddington, changing at Twyford (arrive 10:33; depart 10:38), arriving at Henley at 10:50. Return trains (all requiring a change at Twyford) are at 23 and 53 past the hour until 18:53 when they become hourly at 53 minutes past the hour. Buy a day return to Henley.

This walk explores the southern edge of the Chiltern Hills, a charming area of hidden valleys, mixed woodland and farmland, and largely gentle slopes (although the main walk does have one substantial steep hill after lunch). The walk takes you up one side and down the other of the long valley leading up to Stonor, with plenty of charming views en route. You can find more information about the walk and download the walk instructions here.

The recommended lunch pub on the main walk is the Crown Inn in Pishill ( 01491 638364 , located 10.9km (6.8 miles) into the main walk, serving food until 3:30pm on Sunday. On the shorter walks, the Rainbow Inn in Middle Assendon ( 01491 574879 ), 5km (3.1 miles) into the walk is suggested.

Tea can be had at various locations in Henley with favorites being the Angel pub on the river or the Chocolate Café nearby.

Enjoy the walk!
T=2.6
  • David M
    Mon, 07-Oct-19

    Only 3 on this walk. Weather sun and cloud with one thirty second shower. The hillside view of Middle Assendon is stunning, but far too early in the walk to stop for lunch. Shortly after walking through Middle Assendon, one hawkeyed walker spotted an apple tree by the side of the road bursting with tiny, but perfectly ripe and delicious apples. These kept us energised until Stonor, where one continued on to the Crown Inn for lunch in Pishill and the other 2 shortcutted to picnic on the hill overlooking Stonor. Apparently, the pub setting and food were excellent, but lunch was a little slow in coming. Back in Henley, one went shopping, another gauged himself on tea and cake at the chocolate café before taking a short riverside walk passing Mill & Marsh Meadows and some very nice looking houses. He met up with the pub luncher on the 16.23 to Paddington. The other walker is presumably still shopping.

Sun, 05-May-19 : Henley Circular via Stonor 6
Mr M Tiger
Mr M Tiger
14 km 8.8 ml (or 12 mile) (or 13.8 mile)
Difficulty 7 out of 10
A dramatic chilterns walk with the promise of bluebells.
There are three options.
An 8.8 mile version that doesn't go as far as Stonor but still has impressive scenery.
A 12 mile version that does go as far as Stonor.
The full walk reaching the Crown in Pishill.
Lunch:
The earliest lunch stop is the Rainbow in Middle Assendon (01491 574879). This is the only choice for the shorter options, though Stonor churchyard makes a good picnic place.
Those on the long walk also have the Crown in Pishill (01491 638364). Large groups should phone.
Trains: Get the 09:45 Reading train from Paddington (Ealing Broadway 09:53). Change at Twyford for the Henley train (arr 10:34 dep 10:38 platform 5) arr Henley 10:50.
Trains return at xx:23 and xx:53, changing again at Twyford.
Get a return to Henley on Thames.
Tea: Henley has plenty of tea places and pubs. The Chocolate Cafe (01491-411412) on the riverside has become something of a favourite. Open 9-5:30 daily.
Directions are available here.
T=2.6
  • Anonymous
    Thu, 09-May-19

    Thought I submit a brief report for this walk. 6 walkers at Henley on Thames station. A slight delay on starting as train loos were out of order and only 1 loo working at Henley station thus as usual que in loos! 4 ttok short and had lunch at Middle Assendon. 2 members head for Stonor and had picnic by Warburgh nature reserve and 1 decided to avoid Pishill due to tarmac walking. 1 member thats me spend 2 hours round reserve and found the rare Herb Paris in flower, Fly orchid not in flower while the early purple orchid passed its best. Despite the 2 hours exploring the reserve it was worth finding the Herb Paris in flower by 2 weeks early. Good day out for me and did not connect with the rest of the group again. Weather overall cloudy but rather cold due to the wind.

    P/S Walker I shall try and post the photo of Herb Paris to you or the SWC website.

    Monica.

  • Anonymous
    Thu, 09-May-19

    6 cloudy aand cold

Length: 22.2 km (13.8 mi)
Ascent/Descent: 545m; Net Walking Time: 5 ½ hours
Toughness: 7/10
[to shorten: two options, cutting out Pishill, for details see the webpage and the pdf]
Take the 09.27 Didcot Parkway train from Paddington (09.35 Ealing B’way), change at Twyford (10.10/10.16), arrives Henley-on-Thames 10.27.
Return trains: xx.01 and xx.33 (change at Twyford, from 69 mins journey time, shave off a few mins by changing again at Slough).
This has been posted on a Sunday the last couple of times, so here’s a chance for the Sunday-Refuseniks to enjoy this pleasant Book 2 Classic...
Henley is normally thought of as a riverside town but, as this walk demonstrates, it is also on the southern edge of the Chiltern Hills, a charming area of hidden valleys, mixed wood and farmland, and largely gentle slopes (the main walk has one substantial steep hill after lunch, however). The walk takes you up one side and down the other of the long valley leading up to Stonor, with plenty of charming views over hills en route. Lunch is at a pretty and quiet pub in the village of Pishill, and the return is past hidden farms and through ancient woods into Henley, with its excellent tea rooms.
Lunch : t he Crown Inn in Pishill (10.6 km/6.6 mi, food to 14.30).
Tea: a plethora of options in Henley, you will all have your favourites (see the webpage for details).
For summary, map, height profile, photos, walk directions/options and gpx/kml files click here .
T=2.6
  • Mon, 02-Jul-18

    A good choice of walk, this, if you are feeling heat-stressed. There is plenty of shady woodland but also some good open bits with nice views.

  • Anonymous
    Wed, 04-Jul-18

    NOTE: It is the Henley regatta this week-end so trains are likely to be very busy...

  • Anonymous
    Fri, 06-Jul-18

    Hello, The Crown Inn at Pishill is closed for a private function tomorrow ( per their website). Do we have an alternative?

  • Anonymous
    Fri, 06-Jul-18

    Also, the church by the river in Henley will be doing afternoon teas as it is Henley week if anyone fancies a church tea for a change.

  • Sat, 07-Jul-18

    Pishill pub closed today: sorry for this oversight.

    The other pub en route comes too early.

    The only realistic alternative is 15 minutes off route in Upper Maidensgrove: The Five Horseshoes, food to 15.00 hours. http://www.thefivehorseshoes.co.uk/

  • Sun, 08-Jul-18

    2, hot in the exposed sections . Trains full but not unbearable. Both walkers were picnickers so not affected by the lunch pub's inavailability.

  • Mon, 16-Jul-18

    3 actually, with a third walker having started on a much earlier train, finishing back in Henley at 14.30! She reports that the Pishill church runs a "walkers' deli" in its porch, 'selling' home-made flapjacks for a donation, and providing a kettle for hot drinks...

Sun, 25-Mar-18 : Henley Circular via Stonor 11
Mr M Tiger
Mr M Tiger
Book 2 Walk 6
14 km 8.8 ml (or 12 mile) (or 13.6 mile)
Difficulty 7 out of 10

A hilly chiltern walk with three options on offer.
  • The 8.8 mile version doesn't go as far as Stonor but still takes in some impressive scenery. The lunch stop is the 17th century Rainbow in Middle Assendon (01491574879).
  • Those with a bit more lead in their pencil could press on, following the 12 mile version that goes as far as Stonor but not as far as Pishill. For lunch, you could either stop at the Rainbow as above, or picnic near Stonor. (Sadly, the short-lived Quince Tree is but a memory).
  • Those whose pencil is HB and fully-leaded could try for the full 13.6 miles, stopping at the Crown in Pishill (tel 01491 638364) for lunch. The Crown serves till 3 (which will feel like 2 today).
Trains: Get the 10:15 Didcot Parkway train from Paddington (Ealing Broadway 10:23). Change at Twyford for the Henley train (arr 11:05 dep 11:15 platform 5) arr Henley 11:27.
Trains return on the hour, changing again at Twyford.
Get a return to Henley on Thames.
Tea: Henley has plenty of tea places and pubs. The Chocolate Cafe (01491-411412) on the riverside has become something of a favourite. Open 9-5:30 daily.
Directions are available here. They give clearer directions than what the book does (particularly through the wood near the end). The short walk is option (a) the 12-mile walk is option (b). T=2.6
Remember, clocks will have gone forward today. Its officially British Summertime. Put those hats and scarves away!
Yay!

  • Anonymous
    Fri, 23-Mar-18

    Hi guys

    This walks looks interesting and since I have not done this before hope there will be some attendance. Sunday bright and sunny and should be a perfect day.

    Monica

  • Anonymous
    Sat, 24-Mar-18

    I will be going.

  • Anonymous
    Sat, 24-Mar-18

    Glad someone is attending this walk. See you at Paddington station.if you want to connect on the train my mobile is 07488410141.

    Thanks

  • Anonymous
    Sun, 25-Mar-18

    I'll board at Ealing Broadway.

  • Anonymous
    Sun, 25-Mar-18

    sorry i could not make the walk as I forgot the clock went forward and too late for the train. hope you guys had a great time.

    Monica

  • Mon, 26-Mar-18

    11 for this enjoyable walk, with lovely weather. 3 did the 12 mile, possibly 1 for the full distance leaving 7 for the short route. 9 had fast service in the pub with a limited Sunday menu.

  • Mon, 26-Mar-18

    PS Henley now has a 30 minute service on Sunday

Sat, 28-Jan-17 : Henley hills and woods 20
Walker
Walker
Book 2 Walk 6a - Henley via Stonor short walk
Length: 14.8km (8.8 miles) - with possible extension to 18.5km (11.1 miles)
Toughness: 4 out of 10

9.50 train from Paddington (9.58 Ealing Broadway) to Twyford, arrive 10.43, changing there for the 10.50 to Henley-upon-Thames, arriving 11.02.

Buy a day return to Henley-upon-Thames (NOT Henley-in-Arden)

For walk directions click here - these have significant updates since the book was published.

This lovely short walk in the hills above Henley was posted on a Sunday 13 days ago, but it was a very wet day and there were no reports of anyone doing the walk. Let's hope for better weather conditions this time.

This short version of the walk takes you up onto the Oxfordshire Way across pleasant parkland and fields to Middle Assendon, where the Rainbow Inn is your lunchtime pub. This is a homely pub, seemingly run by a husband and wife couple, so try not to arrive there in a great big mob. Your reward is good hearty food.

After lunch a walk up quiet lanes joins you to the ending of the main Henley via Stonor walk. There has been a new path made through Lambridge Wood as you approach Henley and the online version of the walk reflects that: if you try to use older versions you will get confused. In Henley the lovely Chocolate Cafe is the tea stop.

If it is still light and you want an extension to the walk, the lovely stroll on down the riverside to Marsh Lock (about 1km each way) is recommended. Or you can carry on beyond the lock on the Thames Path to Shiplake station (3.7km/2.3 miles from Henley - this is the 18.5km/11.8 mile version of the walk). There are no written directions for either of these options but you are following the well-waymarked Thames Path.

Trains back from Henley are at 24 past (Shiplake is served by the same train 4 minutes later)
  • Ian T
    Sat, 28-Jan-17

    20 people, most of whom did the proposed short walk. 2 did a longer loop and 2, who reckoned they’d found a shorter route, struck out on it and got lost. The Rainbow (who appreciated the advance warning) was welcoming and seemed to please. Fare seemed simple but of good quality– e.g. ham egg and chips, bubble and squeak with beans - and, for the epicures, haggis meatballs. (Sadly, the latter did not impress the token Scot). Limited choice of one real ale but it was a good one.

    dry sunny mild am dry cloudy pm culminating in intense but brief hailstorm .

    Most were in the Chocolate Café by the time the hail came. Not your’s truly, though. I never thought I would come to thank George Harrison for his overhanging Leylandii but I did so today. So thanks.

  • Anonymous
    Sun, 29-Jan-17

    All agreed, Soup and Bread was the best at The Rainbow, Fish and Chips disqualified for our charter marks rating as it was not freshly battered, instead straight from the Freezer. Not the kind of pub I would expect in this affluent part of the country.

  • Sun, 29-Jan-17

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

Sun, 15-Jan-17 : 2: The Chilterns near Henley ?
Mr M Tiger
Mr M Tiger
Henley Circular via Middle Assendon
A shorter version of the Stonor Circular: Book 2 walk 6
14 km 8.8 ml
Difficulty 6/10

This short version of the book 2 classic doesn't go as far as Stonor but still has impressive Chiltern views.
Lunch: the Rainbow in Middle Assendon (01491-574879). Give them a ring.
Tea: Henley has plenty of tea places and pubs.
The Chocolate Theatre Cafe (01491-411412) comes recommended. Open 9-5:30 daily.
Trains: Get the 09:45 Oxford train from Paddington (Ealing Broadway 09:53). Change at Twyford for the Henley train (arr 10:36 dep 10:43 platform 5) arr Henley 10:55.
Return trains at xx:07 changing at Twyford.
Get a return to Henley on Thames.
If you would usually walk to Paddington from the Central Line, note that Lancaster Gate station is closed for refurbishment.
Walk Directions are available online. They were updated to give clearer directions through the wood near the end. The short walk is option (a)

T=2.6
[posting this for DAC, who i s otherwise occupied this week]

Book 2 Walk 6 Henley-on-Thames Circular (via Stonor)
Length: 21.7 km (13.5 mi)
Ascent/Descent: 458m; Net Walking Time: 5 hours
Toughness: 6/10
[to shorten: two options, cutting out Pishill, for details see the webpage and the pdf]
Take the 09.50 stopping service from Paddington to Reading (10.00 Ealing B’way), change at Twyford (you have 8 minutes for doing that), arrives Henley-on-Thames 11.02.
There are hourly return trains on xx.24 (change at Twyford, 68 mins journey time, shave off a whopping 3 mins by changing again at Slough).
Henley is normally thought of as a riverside town but, as this walk amply demonstrates, it is also on the southern edge of the Chiltern Hills, a charming area of hidden valleys, mixed wood and farmland, and largely gentle slopes (the main walk has one substantial steep hill after lunch, however). The walk takes you up one side and down the other of the long valley leading up to Stonor, with plenty of charming views over hills en route. Lunch is at a pretty and quiet pub in the village of Pishill, and the return is past hidden farms and through ancient woods into Henley, with its excellent tea rooms.
Lunch is in Pishill at the Crown Inn (10.6 km/6.6 mi, food to 14.30). As more than half the ascent is dealt with before lunch, you should not get there much before 13.30 hours.
For tea, there are a plethora of options in Henley, you will all have your favourites (see the webpage for details).
For summary, map, height profile, photos, walk directions/options and gpx/kml files click here .
T=2.6
  • Sat, 24-Sep-16

    15 walkers on this today in initially sunny weather , later turning a bit overcast. We got to the Crown Inn for 13.15, then dawdled to make sure that we all left together, incl. the slower eaters (and drinkers). The sandwichers had moved on by then and made the 16.24, we heard, after a stop at the Chocolate Cafe/Anchor Inn. Us lot comfortably made the 17.24 departure, w/o further stops.

    CLOG were on the same train out in the morning (a smaller group than ours, but incl. one SWC occasional), but they were doing a different, shorter Henley walk, and returned on the same train in the afternoon.

    3 guys then explored the two refreshment options in P'ton station: The Beerhouse by platform 10 (Greene King, and quite average), and the Mad Bishop & Bear on level 2 (Fuller's, and the better option).

    Good day out, with very fine views, some beautiful woods, and a nice pub (although some of the food today was judged to be a bit average), with a bit too much tarmac, maybe.

Chris L
Chris L
Book 2 Walk 6 Henley via Stonor Circular, with Stonor short cut
Length: 19.4km (12 miles) Toughness: 6/10

09:43 Oxford (or Radley) train from Paddington (Ealing Broadway 09:51), changing at Twyford (arr 10:35; dep 10:43) arriving at Henley at 10:55.

Return trains are at xx:07, changing at Twyford (journey time 1 hour 12 minutes).

A delightful walk over gentle rolling hills in the southern Chilterns, finishing in historic riverside Henley. If you lunch in Stonor (see below) and take the Stonor short cut afterwards, you should have time to visit the impressive stately home Stonor Park, http://www.stonor.com/, which is open from 1:30pm to 4:30pm (park and gardens from 12:00pm). The entrance is just north of the village on the route of the main walk, so return to the village after your visit and follow the Stonor Short Cut directions. Expect to get back to Henley after 6pm if you choose to do this.

The suggested lunchtime pub, the Crown Inn at Pishill, has had poor reports recently, so a better alternative may be the Quince Tree (01491 639039) in Stonor. You may prefer the café rather than the upmarket pub/restaurant.

The latest version of the walk directions clarifies the route through the forest so it’s best to download the website version.
  • Thu, 21-Apr-16

    5 on this walk I was, told.

Book 2, walk 6 - Henley via Stonor
Length: 21.9km (13.6 miles) or 19.4km (12.1 miles) - short walk of 14km (8.8 miles) also possible: see bottom of post
Toughness: 6 out of 10

8.57 train from Paddington (9.05 Ealing Broadway), changing at Twyford (arrive 9.42, depart 9.50: connection usually held, but you need to cross the footbridge so don't dawdle), arriving Henley at 10.02.

Buy a day return to Henley-on-Thames (NOT Henley-in-Arden).

Walk directions: the online version includes important updates and is to be preferred to bringing the book.

I had kept this walk back for the last day of Summer Time because it needs an early train from Paddington, as you see. I thought people might brave that on the last long walking day till March. But as we now know that walkers will happily get up for an 8.18 train from the same station not once but twice (!!!), this one is a positive lie-in. If you still need persuading, remember you get an extra hour in bed tomorrow.

This is essentially a Chilterns walk, with plenty of small beechwoods which may just be showing some colour by now (the Chorleywood to Chesham walk last Sunday reported some good tints...)

It is also many many years since I have managed to get to the proper lunch stop for this walk, The Crown in Pishill (no sniggering at the back there). This is a great little place, but popular and they are fussy about walking groups booking in advance. I have done my best to be charming to them and reserved a table for ten people under my name for 1pm. I was quizzed quite a bit about when exactly we would turn up ("so we can plan properly and the kitchen is not overwhelmed"), so if you walk faster and get there at 12.30 and they ask you to wait till 1pm till you order, please be polite and considerate about it.

Those in excess of the 10 booked for lunch can ring up the Crown and be even more charming and they may well be accommodated. Otherwise all a bit earlier in the walk is The Quince Tree "British Pub, Farm Shop and Food Hall". This has both a rather posh pub and a cafe and serves food all afternoon. If you eat here you can take the Stonor Short Cut and shave 2.5km (1.6 miles) off the walk. But when we tried it 2.5 years ago this was what I call a "bag of chips" place - that is, after spending £20 on lunch, you feel like buying a bag of chips to fill you up.

You have roughly half the walk to do after lunch. Towards Henley take especial care in Lambourne Woods. There is only one official footpath through this and it is fairly straightforward but there are lots of side paths and trees with arrows on have a habit of disappearing. If in doubt, bear right.

The tea stop, if you can get there in time, is The Chocolate Cafe (ex Henley Tea Rooms), which when I last looked closes at 6pm. Henley is not short of other refreshment options.

It is nearly full moon and if the skies are clear, a moonlight walk down the Thames Path (all tarmac) to Mill Lock (about a mile, back the same way) is a lovely way to round off the day.

Trains back are at 24 past until late

** The short walk option is option a) in the walk document, but it is only three miles to lunch at The Rainbow in Middle Assendon and taking a train this early you will get there somewhat before they open at midday. But you could linger a bit in Henley, maybe.
  • Sun, 25-Oct-15

    17 on this walk grey with one shower then heavy rain from 4pm Lovely autumn colours: the first walk this year that really felt like "high Autumn": good and extensive tints on beech, Norway maple, field maple, hawthorn, blackthorn.... Lovely views and some saw a red kite land just in front of them. Near Pishill the woods were full of the strange bark of rutting fallow deer.

    Having booked 10 for The Crown it turned out we had just that number, and the pub proved a delight: cosy, atmospheric and with delicious food. In the afternoon the colours were especially nice but even the walk author (me) got lost a couple of times due to holly growth in the beech woods (directions will be updated). The faster walkers probably got to Henley before the downpour started: we caught it about two miles from the town and so got quite soggy. Only two of our lot went for chocolate cakes: the rest went to the pub. Sadly no moonlight walk on this occasion though it was shinning bright when I got home.

  • Kelda
    Tue, 27-Oct-15

    The 6 “faster” walkers were back in Henley by 3pm. 2 stopped at the café for tea and cake. 4 comfortably made the 3.24pm and enjoyed take-away tea and cake in the warm and dry. A lovely day out!