A riverside fix sits close to London, with locks, meadows and warm pubs.
A 13-mile route near Marlow has surged up autumn wish-lists as the clocks change. It offers calm water, low effort and big pay-off. The start is easy to reach, and the finish can be as fancy as you like.
Where it starts and how to get there
The trail begins in Marlow, a Georgian town on the Thames in Buckinghamshire. Trains run from London Paddington to Maidenhead, with a simple change for the short branch to Marlow. Typical journeys take a little over an hour. Services run most of the day, including weekends.
Arriving at Marlow station, it is a five to ten minute stroll to the river via Station Road and Higginson Park. The suspension bridge, the church spire and the river lawns frame the opening stretch. Waymarking for the Thames Path is clear from the outset.
13 miles, about 4.5 to 5.5 hours on level riverside paths, with trains back to London from multiple points.
What you will see along the way
The river bends gently past willow-lined banks, grazing meadows and backwaters. You pass Marlow Bridge, designed in the 1830s, and the neat flint tower of All Saints Church. Across the water sits Bisham Abbey, a former manor with a long sporting pedigree. Rowers cut silent lines through the current at first light. Red kites circle the valley later in the day.
Locks and weirs set the rhythm. Temple Lock hums with passing boats in fair weather. Hambleden Weir throws spray across the walkway after rain. Quiet reaches open up between stretches of woodland at Quarry Woods and Hurley. Autumn colour hangs over the path and drifts underfoot after wind.
History sits on the margins. Hurley village dates back a millennium and still shows timber frames and old coaching inns. Cookham and its meadows provided subjects for Stanley Spencer. Manor houses guard long gardens on the Cliveden Reach. The river keeps the pace steady while the scenery switches texture every mile.
Flat paths suit most walkers, but Thames towpaths can flood after heavy rain; check conditions and plan daylight.
How to shape the 13 miles
Some walkers prefer a simple out-and-back. Others link stations to avoid retracing steps. Both options work here. The Thames Path offers firm surfaces and clear signage, with many places to bail out if time runs short.
Sample sections and times
| Section | Distance | Approx time | Transport options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marlow to Bourne End | 3.8 miles | 1 hr 15 | Trains at Bourne End towards Maidenhead/London |
| Marlow to Hurley | 5.0 miles | 2 hrs | Local buses on the A4130; walk back on the opposite bank |
| Marlow to Henley-on-Thames | 9.0 miles | 3 hrs 30 | Henley branch trains via Twyford to London |
To hit 13 miles, add short detours to village centres, take both banks on out-and-back legs, or extend to Cookham before a return leg. Keep an eye on dusk times after the clock change, as sunset drops below 5pm by late October.
Food, drink and that headline finish
Marlow has serious culinary pull. Tom Kerridge’s The Hand and Flowers holds two Michelin stars and sits on West Street. Booking is near mandatory for a full meal. The bar is open for a well-earned pint, a cocktail or snacks if you are not on a multi-course mission.
There are other options if your group mixes budgets and appetites. The Coach in Marlow serves refined comfort dishes and takes walk-ins during off-peak hours. The Two Brewers near the church pours local ales and fills plates fast. Hurley’s inns offer firesides and sandwiches mid-route. Bourne End has cafes by the railway for quick refuels.
Finish at a two-star pub, or keep it simple with a riverside pint and hot chips two minutes from the bridge.
Practical tips for a smooth day
- Footwear: waterproof shoes help after rain; clay towpaths hold puddles.
- Timing: leave by late morning to beat early dusk; carry a small torch in case.
- Navigation: Thames Path signs are frequent; an OS map or phone app adds confidence at village detours.
- Safety: avoid weir crossings in spate conditions; stick to marked paths near livestock.
- Pace: 13 miles at 3 mph needs around 4.5 hours without long stops; add 30–60 minutes for photos and locks.
- Facilities: toilets sit in Higginson Park, Hurley and Henley; carry cash or a card for lockside kiosks.
Why this works right now
Short days strain routines, and fresh air helps mood and sleep. A level river route keeps effort accessible for mixed groups. Trains both start and end the day with low faff. Pubs break up the miles without forcing a big spend. Leaf colour peaks from mid-October into November on these banks.
The path also suits flexible planning. Strong walkers can push the full 13 miles and ride back from Henley. Families can aim for the Bourne End section, then trundle back to Marlow for hot chocolate. Photography lovers get mist at dawn, reflections at midday and warm light an hour before sunset.
Make it your own
Build a loop: cross Marlow Bridge at the start, take the opposite bank towards Temple, then recross at the next footbridge. Add Quarry Woods for a short, steeper interlude with views over the river. Pack a small picnic for the meadows near Temple Island to cut costs and save time.
If you track steps, 13 miles yields roughly 26,000 to 28,000 steps for an average stride. Calorie burn sits around 1,200 to 1,800 for most adults at a brisk pace, depending on weight and terrain. Hydration still matters in cool air. A half-litre bottle plus a refill at a pub keeps you set.
Good-to-know extras
- Seasonal hazards: leaf mulch hides slick mud; use shorter strides on shaded slopes.
- Wildlife: swans guard nests in spring; give them room; dogs should stay on a lead near livestock.
- Etiquette: anglers often sit under trees; pass behind them, not through their lines.
- Backup plans: buses link Marlow, Henley and High Wycombe; trains run later from Maidenhead if you finish short.
Did this last autumn from Marlow to Henley and the red kites were epic; finishing with a pint at The Hand and Flowers bar was the cherry on top 🙂 Tips: waterproof shoes—the towpath got puddly after Hurley.