Pangbourne - Sulham Woods - Thames Path - Pangbourne

Jacqueline Brown

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Starting from Whitchurch Tollbridge, from which one can view an old mill (upstream), the walk passes through the village of Pangbourne to meadows beyond. It leaves the little River Pang, crossing its flood-plain (wet in winter!) and Sulham Road, then climbs steeply up to Sulham Woods, home of many wild animals and birds.

A delightful walk through mixed woodland, with beech predominating, eventually emerges into open fields with views down to the Thames Valley. After another stretch of woodland the walk reaches Purley-on-Thames. The route through this village includes quiet residential roads, a footpath between fields and railway and the charming road of ancient cottages which was the original village. Eventually reaching the river at Mapledurham Lock, you have views to Mapledurham with its house and water mill. The return to Pangbourne follows the river upstream with abundant birdlife and a cross-river view of Hardwick House and concludes with a walk through NT Pangbourne Meadows.

England - South England - Berkshire - Thames Valley

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Church, Food Shop, Great Views, National Trust, Play Area, Pub, River, Toilets, Wildlife

7/18/2020 - Gavin Bradshaw

A pleasant walk with clear directions. The stretch along the Thames is quite popular, but not overly busy.

9/18/2014 - Angelique Stein

At point 2: Wine Rack isn't located next to the WH Smith anymore. WH Smith still exists, the private road to the right of the shop is called 'The Moors' (instead of Meadow Ave). Very nice walk!

1/30/2010 - Walkingworld Administrator

Thanks Andrew, minor tweaks incorporated now. Chris, Admin.

1/27/2010 - Andrew Long

A good walk with pleasant views from Sulham Woods and the River Thames. Some of the paths in WM8 and WM9 have been formally signed and are more appropriate to follow than the route shown. As instructions say you do meet up at WM10. May be worth reviewing if similar feedback received. Also expect to get wet feet on the Thames Path on way back during winter months and after heavy rainfall! Tweaks to follow.

8/27/2006 - Max Ratcliffe

This is a great walk if you're talking your dog out. Woods to explore near the start, and then lots of other dogs to play with (and the river to swim in) on the way back into Pangbourne.