Back to Pangourne on the train to do a few more miles while the sun is shining. First, the Thames Path crosses to the other bank, over the old Goring to Whitchurch Toll Bridge (free for walkers), going from Berkshire into Oxfordshire.
Then the path leaves the river bank entirely - this is one of the longest diversions away from the river itself. First, it wends through - or rather up - the village of Whitchurch, and then along a country lane. Here we passed the edge of several farms, and had the privilege of seeing a fox - in broad daylight - saunter through a field, then into the meadow right next to us, and trot along in full view for another 200 metres, passing 15 metres from us. Can you see it out in this photo?
The path then gradually merges into the woodland at the edge of the Chilterns.
The woodland walk follows parallel to the Thames, flowing swiftly just below - and fortunately the path had the sun (it was still icy on the far bank). Pity there were so many mountain bikers though!
After the long detour, we finally made it back to the riverbank.
And enter the famous 'Goring Gap' ....
... before eventually reaching the weirs and lock between Streatley and Goring. End of our walk for today, and another 4.5 or 5 miles covered. Our shortest walk so far, but a few steps further towards home!
The path then gradually merges into the woodland at the edge of the Chilterns.
The woodland walk follows parallel to the Thames, flowing swiftly just below - and fortunately the path had the sun (it was still icy on the far bank). Pity there were so many mountain bikers though!
After the long detour, we finally made it back to the riverbank.
And enter the famous 'Goring Gap' ....
... before eventually reaching the weirs and lock between Streatley and Goring. End of our walk for today, and another 4.5 or 5 miles covered. Our shortest walk so far, but a few steps further towards home!
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