5 Cold and windy

Not too muddy butter Thames was flooded

9 at Shiplake. The weather was mostly cloudy some sun later The Thames wasn’t flooded. That stretch was a little slidey but not too bad. One doubled back near Binfield Heath. Lunch at Rotherfield Greys where the Maltsters had indeed reopened. The church, however, was shut. Roof problems. Those that ate were impressed with what they got. Two took the short finish, the rest going for the long haul. The long-haulers got the 16:30

7 on this walk. There was an eighth but she disappeared at Twyford, apparently: last seen walking in the direction of the ticket office and then lost to history.

The weather was grey and cold . What happened to spring? But it was evident all around us. As has become the theme this year, the bluebells were excellent, absolutely at best. Not just in the big wood in the morning but at all sorts of places en route, some of which I don’t remember having bluebells before. Other nice flowers too for the cognoscenti (ie me…): goldilocks buttercups, wood speedwell, (yadda yadda…)

I was greeted at the start of the walk by the alarming news that no one else intended to have a pub lunch. Cue hurried purchase of cold pastie from the village shop (thanks to the group for waiting while I did this). One of our group then did stop in the Bottle & Glass. We assumed this was to eat, but it turned out later he just fancied a glass (or a bottle).

Our lunch stop was interesting. We hopped a locked gate, crossed a field and entered a stunning bluebell wood which seemed to be part of someone’s private estate, as evidenced by a children’s playground and a picnic table. I was assured this was all legal and above board. After lunch we crossed another field and waded through brambles to circumvent a barbed wire fence and a locked gate. We were then back on an actual right of way. Amazingly we ran into the Bottle & Glass guy here, but he only walked with us for a bit before going off to another pub to retrieve a hat (don’t ask: I certainly didn’t.)

At Rotherfield Greys one person took the short cut back to Henley. The Maltsters is still closed for refurbishment but looks close to reopening. At Greys Court there were lambs so newly emerged that they still trailed their umbilical chords. I inveigled the walk poster into diverting here into the grounds of the (NT-owned) property to see the bluebell wood close-up. Reader, it was worth the diversion. It is a bit “managed”, but has the most stunning, thick, intense and extensive area of the purple-blue wonders that you ever saw. After this I nagged my companion into having tea at the cafe (I know he held a torch for the Chocolate Cafe in Henley, but I was gasping for a cuppa).

Through more bluebells in Lambridge Woods - plus bright green new beech foliage that would have been a treat in sunshine but still looked grand without it - and on to Henley where the choice was rush for a train or go to the airport terminal-sized Spoons for a pint. The Spoons won. Then home.

For info, the Bottle & Glass is running a Burger Barn with plenty of seating rather than the pub garden.

18 on a cloudy then damp and chilly day. There were bluebells in the woods but, apart from the occasional swatch, hardly a purple carpet. The usual suspects - celandine, anemone, violet – were also present.

We stopped at the Maltsters where some had lunch in fancy little heated igloos while others, less lucky, sat in the cold. Other stragglers were seen in the churchyard and bus shelter. The church was still shut despite a notice declaring it open.

I left the pub early. On I went past Greys Court eventually coming to the words that have struck terror into many a Book 1 walker “into Lambridge Wood” The clue’s in the name - rearrange the letters and what do you get? BEMOOWDA DRIAGL that’s what The book directions lure the unwary traveller into the heart of this forest looking for paths that are either no longer there or no longer clearly marked. There must be skeletons in that wood still clutching their copies of Book 1. I did find my way through but not without a few moments' disquiet. Surely, the only walk where I am glad to come out on the golf-course!

The online instructions are of course much simpler - basically just "follow the fence line till you come out” but some of us will insist on using the book. When will we ever learn?

I finished the walk at Henley, don’t know about the others. I was, of course, still ahead. (I think).

According to my track and trace records, 18 alighted from the train at Shiplake, and we soon set off in an almost Covid-compliant fashion on the High Wood route as it began to drizzle with rain. Throughout the day we encountered drizzle with much needed heavier, steady rain in the afternoon. The High Wood bluebells were good in places but not fully out. Today's rain should bring them along nicely. Some went off piste briefly to admire my favourite bluebell paddock near Round Wood - as lovely as ever - and some picnickers might have stopped here for their lunch. The rest of us continued on to the village of Rotherfield Greys, where the main sandwich corps found shelter from the rain to have their picnics. Two of us had booked separate outdoor tables at the excellent Maltsters Arms and six of us enjoyed some very good food in two of the pub's newly constructed sheltered pods, with electric heaters (much needed) to take off the chill, plus blankets to keep aged legs warm ! Three of the sandwichers joined us for drinks. We were all made most welcome by the chef-owner, who regularly escaped from his kitchen to check we were having a good time - and we were.

By the time we had finished eating the main group of sandwichers were long gone - an hour ahead of us - and I presume they all took the main route to Greys Court. The weather had deteriorated by the time us diners were ready to move off, and some said "what the hell" and called for a cab back to Henley. Three took the direct, pleasant route in the valley to Henley, leaving yours truly to plod on to Greys Court alone, now in steady rain. The bluebells at Greys Court were about 75 % out and with the rain they should be at their best this coming weekend. The bluebells in Lambridge Wood were really nice with some glorious carpets to admire.

Some of us had not come prepared for the rain so I am not sure if any of the sandwichers continued on the walk beyond Henley to Shiplake - do please file your own report here - but as I was a tad damp by now I headed straight for Henley railway station - in time for the 16-59 hrs train to Twyford.

Good SWC company over lunch and in the morning, and a lovely solo walk for me post prandial. It might have been wet but no-one seemed too concerned, given the need for rain after a dry April.

early drizzle turning to steady rain all day

Sorry, Ian , your walk report was not showing when I started to put pen to paper this morning.

It's high time you abandoned the old TO Book for web-site print offs - we cannot have our rear gunner getting lost all the time - although we love reading of your travails and mishaps in your reports, which keep us much amused ! !

I might get the 10.27 train as it's later, cheaper and the tube might be less crowded.

14 today. Weather was warm humid occasionally sunny I let the younger ones run off ahead, skipping gaily through the meadows, while I plodded resolutely behind them. By the time I got to the Maltsters they had already galumphed down whatever they ordered and some were even having pudding. They didn’t seem disappointed. Unlike myself, who waited so long at the bar for a teensy little drink that I gave up. Just a pint of Hobgoblin, that’s all. Not much to ask. But I guess the cream in the other guests’ coffee is more important.

Another disappointment was that the church is only open on Mondays and Fridays. I usually nip in to see how Mr and Mrs Knollys and their 10 children are getting along, but not, alas, today.

Today was a good day for fungi with many types popping up through the woodchips on the path just after the Bottle and Glass, and more in Lambridge Woods. We continued on past Greys court (which was open, as was the footpath, despite reports to the contrary).

I lost sight of the others as we approached Henley so cannot report on tea.

Sorry to read Ian had difficulty getting served at the Maltsters. Not being able to join you on the SWC walk on Wednesday, I did the walk the following day, as a book check and walk update exercise. I had an excellent lunch at the Maltsters and service could not have been better or friendlier. Good beer, too !

4 of us got off the train at Shiplake, and before we could set off we were joined by three more travelling by car, making 7 in generally fine weather for this beautiful walk. with pleasant riverside and woodland sections and just a few bits of heavy mud. We decided for lunch at the Bottle and Glass owing to the time and likelihood of pressure on seating. This proved to be a good decision as the fully-booked pub squeezed the lunchers in for a quick bite; the modest dishes they chose looked delicious. Everyone did the recommended shorter finish. Three front-runners got to Henley just in time to fit in tea and coffee - sorry I've forgotten the name of the place we went - before the 1553 train.

8 alighted from the train at Shiplake, with 2 others joining us at lunchtime after their outward journey had been delayed by underground problems - so that is 10.

At the start of the walk 2 of our chaps decided to test drive a new hand held gizmo on the original Book route via Shiplake Lock, leaving 6 of us to take the High Wood route, in search of bluebells. Alas, apart from one decent large patch in High Wood,the 'bells were disappointing all day - thirsty and bedraggled, a blue fuzz rather than the expected carpets of blue. The wood in the grounds of Greys Court was particularly understated. But never mind, the weather was sunny spells and mild to warm , comfortable for walking, clouding over in the afternoon with some spits of rain towards walk-end.

4 of us, including our 2 delayed starters, dined at the very busy Maltsters Arms in Rotherfield Greys. We had booked a nice table outdoors in the shaded patio area and we did not have to wait too long for our tasty meals to arrive. Some of our sandwichers had earlier stopped for an alfresco lunch amongst a good display of bluebells near Round Wood, later joining us at the Maltsters for a drink. Many of the diners in the pub were walkers and in addition to the pub's friendly notice "Muddy Boots Welcome", a defibrillator booth is now to the side of the pub's front door - for aged walkers who do not quite make it.

Our gizmo followers noticed the church next door to the pub was serving freebie tea and cake from 2 pm and so indulged themselves before setting off on the afternoon leg of their walk. 3 of the ladies in our group who left the pub first extended their walk to Shiplake - and with perfect timing joined most of the Henley finishers on the 19-05 hrs service from Henley at Shiplake station.

Our 2 delayed starters stopped at Greys Court for a cuppa and a brief visit to this attractive National Trust property - I hope they navigated Lambridge Wood without getting too lost. Presumably they were on the train from Henley an hour after the rest of us. Otherwise, the Henley finishers just had enough time for a pub visit or tea stop in town before heading for the railway station.

The bluebell displays might have been below par today, but it didn't matter - this lovely walk being so enjoyable at this time of year.

For 19-05 hrs train please read 17-05 hrs. With anno domini I might be slowing up but I was not that late finishing the walk............

We found out eventually that there was a major fire in Richmond which had delayed our journey to Ealing Broadway in the morning.

Chris and I enjoyed a pint pot of tea gratis at Greys Court in the afternoon as a reward for walking to this National Trust property. We just missed the 17-05 train having dallied to admire the gatehouse and grounds of George Harrisons' property which Chris hadn't viewed previously. (He is a London tour guide specialising in Jazz tours and Rock and Pop with Footprints of London.) We then met up with my ex colleague Rosemary who works in Henley and caught the 17-38 train. This was a very pretty and dry walk which we enjoyed enormously. Thank you Marcus.

8 on a day that was mild overcast a bit breezy on higher ground 3 Billy Whizzes soon sped off out of sight, leaving 5 Terry Tortoises following at a moderate (but still respectable) pace. We didn’t stop at the Bottle and Glass but it has changed notably from the sleepy dilapidated pub I remember - a whole playing field of cars parked up outside and looking a lot more posher than what it used to. The Maltsters had a “Muddy Boots Welcome” sign on the door and they were quite friendly and accommodating, despite being busy. By the time we arrived there, Billy and Milly Whizz were leaving to follow the full walk, the rest of us, as far as I know, intending to pursue the shorter ending. Mr Tiger, the slowest of the tortoise group, left early, expecting to be overtaken by the others on the final stretch. But they weren’t seen again.

5 met at Twyford railway station for the onward journey to Shiplake; another joined us at the Maltsters Arms for a drink before walking with us to Greys Court, to then explore the grounds of this NT estate with its magnificent bluebell paddock; and Ramblin' Ros had tea with us in the pub before she took the direct route to Henley - so for the full walk I best declare 5.

We enjoyed a lovely sunny and warm spring day , with no rain. Bluebells were "full on" in High Wood, the Paddock, Greys Court, Lambridge Wood and elsewhere on this lovely walk which we all enjoyed. There was also a field covered with cowslips below Rotherfield Greys. Four of us dined at the excellent Maltsters Arms, although service was on the slow side today. But no complaints, as the pub was preparing for a "wake" soon after we arrived. At walk-end most of us did not hang around in Henley as we had engagements back in town in the evening.

Methinks this walk is amongst the best of our bluebell walks, today enjoyed in the best company.

8 today for this bluebell extravaganza, although as we found the day before, the woodland flowers really do need a good drink. That said, the weather forecast was correct for once, and we had one heavy shower during lunch and one light shower as we crossed the golf course above Henley. Otherwise, it was pleasantly sunny all day . The bluebells in High Wood and in Greys Court Spinney were in full bloom although gasping for water. Two in our group enjoyed their sandwiches in my "private" bluebell paddock, leaving the rest of us to head for the Maltsters Arms, where five of us had an excellent lunch: the Maltsters seldom disappoints. More bluebells in the woods as we approached Greys Court, to admire their display in the Spinney, then onwards to Lambridge Wood - more carpets of bluebells - and over the golf course, now in much needed rain - before we descended into Henley. Tea and slabs of cake were taken in the usual Tea Rooms, before we said farewell to the youngster in our midst who made his way along the Thames back to Shiplake. Having had our bluebell fix for the week, if not the year, we were now all in good humour as we boarded the 17-09 hrs train back to London. Two or three on our walk are heading for the Brecons this coming weekend, and we wish them and the main SWC cohort a most enjoyable time there.

Thank you very much for reminding walkers of the Lashbrook Loop option. ' This section of the Thames Path, around a meander in the river, re-opened in 2012 after a 17 year legal battle with local land owners. The Ramblers Association was responsible for the re-opening of this riverside route and they encourage walkers to use it.' Within that option there are 2 further options - the one I always use - The 12 Gardens Route' rather than the 'Inland route - as it is important to keep footfall on these rights of way.

The 12 Gardens Route sounds interesting jfk

7

sunny

The Maltsters Arms great food and service

why the early train Arthur?!

can't get the normal discounts..

Does this train stop Ealing?

Just fyi, if you are buying a ticket from Paddington it costs £15.80 return on the train specified, whereas even with a Network Card it would be £13 on a train an hour later, so no massive difference.

Return is £6.95 from/to BZ6.

Is anyone intending to do this expensive walk? jfk

Yes, two of us

17 on this walk, including two late starters who caught us at lunchtime - an excellent turnout for a midweek walk and even more so for a Thames walk. The weather was cloudy but with sun breaking through in the afternoon , perhaps a bit disappointing compared to some recent days but pleasant nonetheless.

Lunch in the Maltster's Arms met with the approval of even our more gourmet members, and staff were very friendly. Some stopped for tea/coffee at Grey's Court (which has moved its tea room to a slightly less scenic location), and most of us stopped again at The Chocolate Cafe in Henley.

We saw lots of bluebells, but none in flower, and lots of daffodils and celandines (the latter shut against the cold east winds). Birdsong was curiously muted.

My best moment of the day was on the train home when I realised that THERE WAS NO MUD ON MY BOOTS, the first time I have been able to say this on an SWC walk since September.

13 turned out on an unseasonably mild and sunny day. First stretch muddy in places (well, it is winter). High Wood dotted with “sportsmen” shooting at things. Polite and considerate but still unpleasant to see.

The Bottle and Glass is still under refurbishment. Will it reopen as a pub? Who knows. The Maltsters (or Maltesers as I prefer to call it) was welcoming and friendly. And their sticky toffee pudding out of this world (just a shame it wasn't mine!) The majority pressed on to Greys after lunch leaving two to skip gaily down the Henley shortcut - very pretty after perhaps a little too much of Mr Brakspears famous elixir. But not before we visited the Knollys tomb in the church and received an impromptu talk on it from the churchwarden. (It’s a must-see that most don’t).

Yes Knollys tomb well worth visiting jfk