The River Thames
Enjoy a fabulous weekend exploring two sections of the Thames Path
Grovefield House Hotel
4* Edwardian country house hotel
Two Guided Walks
Experienced & informative Blue Badge walking guide
Explore two sections of the world-renowned Thames Path following England’s iconic River Thames. Our Solos weekend of guided walking takes in a mixture of historic Thames side towns, picturesque meadows and beautiful rolling countryside all complete with an informative blue badge walking guide.
Extras
Check-in to hotel, meet our tour leader, fellow Solos guests for the welcome drink and enjoy our first evening meal.
After a short coach journey, we start our walk in Henley-on-Thames, the spiritual home of British rowing. We will explore some of the town’s history, before crossing Henley Bridge and joining the riverside path. Our walk follows the Royal Regatta course to Temple Island then round to Hambleden Lock, the first of three delightful lock and weir settings, surrounded by the rolling countryside of the Chiltern Hills.
The path takes us away from the river through estate parkland, then returns to the riverside. A late lunch stop will be taken at Hurley Lock Island (at own cost). After lunch, our path crosses the Thames on a magnificent single-span pedestrian bridge, from where we can look down on the river activity below.
Our route continues and passes historic Bisham Abbey before arriving at Marlow, another delightful mid-Thames town. Our walk finishes next to the town’s suspension bridge, interestingly the model for the larger one found in Budapest. If time allows we will explore the town before returning to our hotel.
After breakfast and checking out we take our bus to Windsor for todays walk. We start at Windsor Bridge, in the shadow of the Castle and from here we will leave the tourists behind as we explore the riverside from both banks. A path takes us to Romney Lock and around the back of the Home Park, the private side of the castle. Crossing over, we find the Jubilee River and also see Eton College and its magnificent chapel from a completely different angle. We can cross some of the playing fields of Eton (where the battle of Waterloo was won apparently) and see the location where the Victorian boys indulged in some river swimming.
Our walk finishes at the bridge, with some spare time to further explore Windsor or Eton. We then return to the hotel and say our goodbyes
Set within its own secluded 7 acres of grounds, once the country retreat of the famous Fuller brewing family, this fine Edwardian house hotel has been lovingly restored to its former grandeur.
Country elegance and modern accommodation mix well as facilities here include the relaxing Paddocks Bar and Lounge as well as the popular Hamilton’s restaurant all set in 7 acres of delightful gardens and grounds.
The stylish Classic rooms all feature king size bed, en-suite bathroom with toiletries flat screen TV, safe, desk, easy chair, coffee table, tea/coffee-making facilities, iron, hairdryer and free Wi-Fi.
The hotel is located off Junction 7 of the M4 or Junction 2 of the M40. Burnham railway station is 2 miles. Complimentary parking is available. Hotels Address: Taplow Common Road, Taplow, Burnham, SL1 8LR
Two guided walks are included in the programme. The walking programme is graded easy to medium and you can expect to walk up to 9 miles on the first walk and approx 5 miles on the second walk. A coach will be used to transfer you to the starting point of the walks.
Walking notes
Along the Thames from Henley to Marlow
Transfer Time Hotel to Henley upon Thames – 30 mins approx
Marlow to Hotel 15 mins
Walking Distance 8.9 miles
Walking Time – 5 hours approx
Grade – Easy to Medium
Note: This walk may be altered if conditions underfoot are too wet or at times of flooding.
The River Thames around Windsor and Eton
Transfer Time Hotel to Windsor 15 mins approx
Walking Distance 5 miles
Walking Time – 2 hours 45 mins approx
Grade – Easy to Medium
Note: This walk may be altered if conditions underfoot are too wet or at times of flooding.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in your chosen activity holiday. If you are unsure as to whether the walks are within your capabilities, please contact the office to discuss this matter, thus making sure you appreciate the terrain that you will be walking.
You could be walking across uneven ground in some areas and extreme care must be taken, especially if wet. If used to using a pole/stick, it is advisable to bring it. Please appreciate the route and content of the holiday may change at the time and at the discretion of the guide/organiser, should conditions require. Solo’s Holidays Ltd cannot be held responsible for personal injury, accident or damage to property whilst on these walks other than incidents arising out of the company’s negligence. The guide has the right to refuse to guide a walk with anyone not properly attired.
It is of paramount importance that you have the correct footwear. It is essential to wear walking boots that are comfortable and preferably lightweight, with some ankle support and a good grip. If you already have a pair of boots that you are happy walking in (including during hot/wet weather and on hard ground), then bring these along. However, if you are bringing new footwear, do make sure they are well broken in before you arrive. Experience has shown that wearing 2 pairs of woollen socks adds to comfort.
Whilst we would hope for good weather during your holiday, it is of course impossible to guarantee this. We would therefore recommend you travel with clothing suitable for all conditions, and suggest you use the following checklist as a guideline of what to take:
There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. In order to give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below. The Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual. We suggest a group collection at the beginning of your holiday to cover drivers, guides, porters and hotel staff (including restaurant, kitchen and reception staff) of approximately £5. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of bar staff and housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (the rounding up of the drinks bill and a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, restaurants expect a 10% gratuity (do check that service has not already been added to your bill). For taxis 10% of the metered fare.
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| January - February | 6 °C | 1 °C |
| March | 9 °C | 2 °C |
| April | 11 °C | 3 °C |
| May | 15 °C | 6 °C |
| June | 18 °C | 9 °C |
| July - August | 20 °C | 11 °C |
| September | 17 °C | 9 °C |
| October | 14 °C | 7 °C |
| November | 9 °C | 3 °C |
| December | 7 °C | 2 °C |
I was so nervous about embarking on my first Solos Holiday, but I shouldn’t have been – it was the best thing I have ever done!
Wow! Got to see the famous shipwreck beach in Zakynthos with Solos. Can’t wait to discover more of their destinations!
Our tour leader Monica was exceptional! Had such a good time and will be rebooking with Solos. Thanks for a great holiday!
Had the best time with Solos! Discovered beautiful destinations and met some lifelong friends.
