Rivers & Ridges - A Scenic Loop From Pangbourne To Goring

This is a 12 mile circular walk from Pangbourne to Goring which incorporates sections of the Chilterns Way and Thames Path.

This walk will be the estimable Mike Emery's assessment event as he endeavours to become a Lowland and Hill Walk Leader with OutdoorLads. Your support for Mike is sought.

The sights:

Pangbourne: is a riverside village in Berkshire, known for its historic charm, scenic Thames views, and literary connections to The Wind in the Willows. Linked to Whitchurch-on-Thames by a historic toll bridge, it offers beautiful countryside walks and a tranquil atmosphere.

Pangbourne Toll Bridge: is a privately owned road bridge over the River Thames, linking Pangbourne (Berkshire) and Whitchurch-on-Thames (Oxfordshire). Built in 1902, it charges a toll for vehicles, while pedestrians and cyclists cross for free.

The Chiltern Way: Overall this is a 134-mile circular walking route through the scenic Chiltern Hills, featuring woodlands, hills, and picturesque villages. We will be taking the Chiltern Way for a short section. 

Goring-On-Thames: is an Oxfordshire village on the River Thames, known for its scenic beauty, historic charm, and access to the Chiltern Hills. It sits opposite Streatley in Berkshire, with the two villages connected by a bridge. Goring was also the home of musician George Michael until his passing on Christmas Day 2016.

The Thames Path: is a National Trail following the River Thames from its source to London. The section between Goring and Pangbourne is particularly scenic, passing through the Goring Gap, where the river cuts through the Chiltern Hills and North Wessex Downs. This stretch offers tranquil riverside views, rich wildlife, and a mix of woodland and meadows, making it a popular route for walkers.

Whitchurch-on-Thames: is a charming village in Oxfordshire, located along the River Thames. It features a mix of historic cottages, a medieval church, and beautiful countryside views. 

The route (see location section for OS link):

Starting at Pangbourne Station, we will briefly walk through the village centre and then cross the River Thames over Pangbourne Bridge into Whitchurch-On-Thames. We will then head East for a while, and shortly will have a steep uphill climb to join the Chilterns Way, which we will follow along a ridge for some time, through Whitchurch Hill. As we make progress to Goring, then assuming good weather, you will have good views across the Thames Valley towards the Goring Gap. We then progress downhill and eventually arrive at Goring-On-Thames where we will walk through the village, past George Michael's house, and then have lunch on some benches by Goring Lock.

After lunch we will mainly follow the Thames Path, which is one of the best sections in the area. The first part is the usual flat towpath by the river, but sometime after proceeding under Brunel's railway bridge at Gatehampton, the path follows an unusually undulating and wooded section, which rises to somewhat higher points with glimpses of the Thames through the trees, a valley section with a staircase of steps to climb (Hartley Steps) and then follows a quiet country lane back into Whitchurch-on-Thames, where we will walk through the historic village high street, with a possible pub divert, and finally cross the river back to Pangbourne Railway Station.  

Dogs

Well-behaved dogs are welcome, there are some stiles on route and sections along lanes and roads where there may be traffic and dogs will need to be kept on a lead. 

Is this your first ODL event?

Attending your first event with OutdoorLads might feel daunting. What will happen, who will be there, and what can you expect? We know that new members in particular like to know in advance more about what an OutdoorLads event will be like. 

If this is your first ODL event, you should check out the information designed specifically for you on the My First Event page on the ODL website. If you have any other questions you can send a message to the leader.

IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement

You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.

All photos taken by the co leader on different dates over the past 5 years and permission given to OutdoorLads for use.