Hambleden, the Weir, Medmenham (Stag and Huntsman)

This is a walk of great variety beginning at the Thames and then in typically wonderful Chiltern woods. It begins with an exhilarating crossing of the River Thames by a very long weir and passes through two of the most enchanting villages of the region. Oct 2022: The Flowerpot is temporarily closed by Brakspear for refurbishment. There are some nettles en route so long trousers are recommended. This walk is not recommended for a dog because of the sheep fields and the sensitive woodland sites. The going is easy and good walking shoes are sufficient. The walk begins next to the Flowerpot pub in the tiny hamlet of Aston (grid ref SU 785 842, www.w3w.co/chops.dumpling.soon, postcode RG9 3DG). You need to park your car before opening time (11am or 12 noon on Sunday). The Flowerpot is fantastically popular and you can’t use the pub’s car parks as a non-patron (unless you can buy Granny a double gin and leave her in the pub). The pub is open all day at weekends. There are some spaces on the road outside the pub but they may be all used up if you come late. So arrive before it opens, turn left alongside the pub and park close to the wall on the left. Another possibility is to continue on the lane to the right of the pub, down to the river where there is space for several cars: from here you can turn left along the Thames path for 600m to join the walk. Alternative starts are at the Mill End car park (approx postcode RG9 3BG), in Medmenham (park in the village, postcode SL7 2EZ) and Hambleden (at the official car park, postcode RG9 6RP). They cut out 1½ miles=2 km but you would miss the fabulous double crossing of Hambleden Weir. It is also perfectly possible to join the walk from Henley or Marlow.