Enjoy the traditional pleasures of river and rolling countryside which the railway opened up for 19th Century London society.

From the river, busy with boats, the Water Walk also enjoys the abundant birdlife at the Spade Oak Lake.

Those following the full Woods and Water Walk are rewarded with panoramic views of the Thames Valley, well managed woodland and fascinating archaeology.

There’s ample opportunity for refreshment at the middle or end of your journey.

An accompanying children’s quiz sheet can be downloaded from www.chilternsaonb.org

 

Distance: 6 miles (10km) Allow 3 hours.

Access Information: This walk is an extension on to the valley slopes.

The walk rises approximately 300 feet (100m) from the river on unsurfaced tracks.

There are no stiles on this route.

Route Description: Follow the Water Walk to Little Marlow and carry on to the Marlow Road (A4155).

Carefully cross the road and follow the footpath through Wilton Farm (past Emmett’s Farm Shop) and up the farm track.

When you reach the kissing gate in the hedge, EITHER follow the permissive access to the right of the hedge and along the boundary of Bloom Wood for the Short Cut Option, OR follow the waymarked route to the left of the hedge and into the wood, making sure to bear left where the footpath leaves the track in the valley.

Where the path meets the Chiltern Way, turn left for approximately 50m to view the mediaeval enclosure.

Re-trace your steps to the junction, across two tracks, and follow the Chiltern Way signs.

Where the Chiltern Way and public footpath diverge follow the public footpath across a track and it quickly becomes a wide sweeping ride.

This emerges on the southern edge of the wood facing the river.

Follow the waymarked path down into Fern Lane and along it to the Marlow Road.

Carefully cross the road and follow the pavement/cycleway to Well End.

Turn right into Coldmoorholme Lane and follow it to the Spade Oak pub. Look out for the footpath just past the pub on your left, follow this across the railway and back to the river.

This walk is courtesy of Chilterns Conservation Board. Visit www.chilternsaonb.org.uk.