Pangbourne and Goring via the Thames Path - Linear or Circular

Richard Clayton

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This walk starts from Pangbourne Station, and takes you across the Thames by means of a tollbridge to Whitchurch and then up the Thames Path to the delightful village of Goring. The Thames Path is a National Trail which runs 184 miles from its source in the Cotswolds almost to the sea.

The tollbridge at Whitchurch was first opened in November 1792. The Reading Mercury reported that the bridge was open for horses and foot-passengers and all kinds of cattle. The present metal bridge was erected in 1902. Swinford Bridge, near Eynsham, is the only other tollbridge over the Thames.

Whitchurch Lock dates from being a wooden pound lock in 1787. The manual beams were removed in 1966 when the lock was converted to electro-hydraulic operation.

Between Whitchurch and Goring the Thames Path rises high above the river through woodland and then drops down to rejoin the riverbank. You will pass Ferry Cottage and then underneath one of Brunel's famous railway bridges.

Goring is a popular village with a number of pubs (see Additional Info) and shops.

Your return journey, through quiet woods and farmland and with quite a trudge uphill after the gentle outward leg, follows part of the Southern Extension of the Chiltern Way, established in 2003.

England - South England - Berkshire - Thames Valley

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Church, Food Shop, Gift Shop, Good for Kids, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Industrial Archaeology, National Trust, Pub, Public Transport, Restaurant, River, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

10/7/2023 - Gavin Bradshaw

Great walk with some lovely views, though you do have to work for them, both going downhill and uphill. Very much worth the effort though. If you look to your right between waymarks 12 and 13 you can see the Gatehampton Viaduct that you passed under back at waymark 7 in the distance. It might explain why your legs ache a bit by now.

1/9/2012 - Tom Gray

We thoroughly enjoyed the walk on Sunday, and would highly recommend it. One point that may be of interest is that whilst there are a few 'kissing gates' there are no stiles, so dog friendly. That said the walk does go through a few fields that have cattle in and some short road sections so a lead is essential. Thank you.

1/3/2012 - Walkingworld Admin

Our thanks to Mark Bailey for his updates for this walk. January 2012. Adrian (Admin)

1/2/2012 - Mark Bailey

This is an excellent walk - one covered in just over three hours and we weren't walking fast! Lovely river views, lots of "birds of prey" big and small and a shop at Goring that sold sweets... what more could you ask for? Just one word of warning and that is to take boots during the Winter as many areas are muddy, particularly the paths coming into Goring.

6/30/2011 - Ian Mapp

I did it from Goring to Pangbourne. First civilisation is Whitchurch on Thames and I was pleased to see two pubs for refreshments! Took the train back, in itself an experience. Great walk in the evening. I will put the Thames Path together (slowly!). Experiences blogged at http://mappiman.blogspot.com/2011/06/290611-one-walk-two-counties.html