Pete's Walks - Hambleden, Stonor, Henley (page 4 of 5)
Just past the houses the drive turned left, but I continued straight on. The footpath continued south through the second deer park of this walk, but the only creatures I saw here were sheep. There were a few ornamental trees decorating the landscape here, and soon I got a view towards the Thames Valley to my left (I would be walking there shortly). After about half a mile, the path started going downhill and passed through Little Wood and then beside a pasture before reaching a road (the A4130) on the northern edge of Henley.
The deer park (the second one of the day!), south of Henley Park
The deer park
The path descending through Little Wood
Approaching Henley
Entering new territory again, I turned left and followed the road towards the centre of Henley. I went straight on over a roundabout, then turned left down New Road where I passed the Henley Brewery, home of Brakspears real ales. I then turned right along the edge of the Thames to Henley Bridge. As I crossed the bridge, I was retracing my footsteps from a couple of weeks ago when I walked the fourth and final stage of the Berkshire Loop.
The road into Henley (A4130)
Henley
The Brakspear brewery in Henley
Approaching Henley Bridge
Looking north from Henley Bridge
Looking south from Henley Bridge
On the far (Berkshire) side of the bridge, I turned left and started following the riverside path northwards. The drizzle had now stopped, and I was able to take off my waterproof jacket. It soon became apparent why this part of the river is used for a regatta, as Henley Reach is straight and wide. I'd passed a sign near the bridge advertising boat trips to Temple Island, and it was easy to work out that that must be the island I could see in the distance ahead of me. There was a surfaced path all along this bank of the river, although there was usually grass to walk on too. I spotted some Orange Balsam here, a new flower for me (it's a garden escapee, originally from North America). I passed Remenham Farm, and after about a mile I reached Temple Island.
The path following the Thames north from Henley Bridge
Close-up shot looking north along the Thames to Temple Island
The path continuing north towards Temple Island
The Thames Path at Remenham Farm
Temple Island