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 Exploring the Thames - Walking Weekend

A relaxed, sociable walking weekend with options to take in sections of the beautiful Thames Path, the Chilterns Way or The Ridgeway National trail.

Experience Type: Multi-Day Experience
Duration: 2 nights
Accommodation: Hostel
Group Size: Maximum 40
Level: Leisurely and Active walks on offer (subject to participant numbers)
Age: 18+
Dogs: No dogs, except trained assistance dogs

In a nutshell: 

  • Relax in a peaceful, accessible-by-train countryside.

  • Enjoy two days of brilliantly sociable guided walking along the Thames Path, Chiltern Way, or Ridgeway National Trail - route options available each day.

  • Enjoy great food, relaxation, and the feel-good factor that comes with a weekend of walking with new friends.

 

How do we grade our walks?

Explore the beautiful Thames Path

It might be less than an hour by train from London, but the peace and tranquillity of the Thames Path and the countryside around Streatley and nearby Goring is a great antidote to the hectic nature of the city.

There’s something for everyone on this weekend – whether you’re keen to ease yourself in with strolls along the beautiful (and flat!) Thames Path or you’re looking for a longer leg-stretcher along stunning sections of the Chiltern Way or the Ridgeway National Trail.

We’re staying in a grand Victorian house in the village of Streatley, a prime spot on the Thames Path and just a 15-minute walk from the train station.

As with all of our weekend trips, a big focus is on smiles, laughter, and camaraderie. You’ll be joining a group of lovely fellow outdoors-lovers for walks, meals, and relaxation, and leaving with new friends that love a good walk and a chin-wag.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1

Feel free to arrive at our accommodation for the weekend at any time after 5pm, where your Large Outdoors will be there to greet you with a hot drink and help you get settled. We’re staying in a striking, comfortable Victorian house that boasts a cosy social area and outdoor terrace leading to a pretty garden.

Your task at this point is to unload the stresses of the week and relax, enjoying a cup of tea or glass of wine with your fellow guests. You’re on holiday now!

Dinner will be served at around 8pm, during which time your Large Outdoors host will outline the walking route options for the weekend.

Day 2

You’ll decide which guided route you’d like to walk today over breakfast before packing your lunch and joining your group.

There’ll be three walks on offer today (subject to participant numbers), chosen based on what the groups feel like and the weather might have in store, but we might cover:

  • A leisurely walk along the Thames Path, which takes us through quintessentially English countryside characterised by the languid river, historic bridges, meadows, and a lovely odd pub or two.

  • A longer walk into the surrounding Chiltern Hills, following trails through woodlands and rolling hills. We’ll pass fascinating historical places, like Mapledurham - the stately home said to have inspired Toad Hall in the Wind in the Willows!

  • An all-day leg-stretcher along a handsome stretch of the 87-mile Ridgeway National Trail. This ancient trail has been used by people since prehistory and is popularly known as ‘Britain’s oldest road’. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of rolling chalk downloads and archaeological monuments.

We’ll return to our accommodation in the late afternoon or early evening, allowing plenty of time to relax and enjoy an evening meal together - followed by our legendary Saturday night cheeseboard!

Day 3

After breakfast and packing up, you’ll have the choice of two guided walks (subject to participant numbers) in the local area today:

  • A shorter, lower-level walk with a pub stop for lunch.

  • A longer hike with a packed lunch.

We’ll aim to finish up by 4pm at the latest today, giving everybody time to travel home after good weekend’s walking done!

  • We’ll be staying in the lovely YHA Streatley-on-Thames Hostel, a striking and comfortable Victorian house, on this trip. It’s a fantastic base for walks, providing for good access to numerous paths and trails. It’s also very accessible itself, just a 15-minute walk from Goring & Streatley train station and with parking available.

    All bedding is provided, but please make sure you bring your own towel and toiletries.

  • Venue Address:

    YHA Streatley-on-Thames
    Reading Rd
    Streatley
    Reading
    RG8 9JJ

    what3words: encoded.pricier.parked

    Nearest Train Station:
    Goring & Streatley - this is short 10 minute walk away.

    Parking:
    Limited free parking is available at the hostel.

  • Included:

    • 2 days of walking around the lovely area surrounding Goring & Streatley led by our brilliant guides.

    • 2 nights’ accommodation.

    • Lovely home-cooked meals on Friday and Saturday nights. Soft drinks will be provided and you’re welcome to bring your own alcoholic drinks.

    • Continental-style breakfasts on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

    • A packed lunch for Saturday’s walk, and the longer walk on Sunday if you choose it (we’ll stop for a pub lunch on the shorter walk).

    • A Large Outdoors host to welcome you and organise the weekend’s walking.

    • Pre-weekend support from the Large Outdoors admin team.

    Not included:

    • Travel to and from the venue.

    • Any alcoholic drinks - feel free to bring a bottle!

    • Food and drinks purchased at any pubs or tearooms we might stop at.

    • Any excursions or extra activities.

  • Please see our Compulsory Kit List required for this experience. The compulsory items are selected for your safety, which is of paramount important to us at Large Outdoors. Each participant should be carrying the items listed.

    • What level of fitness is needed?
      This trip is rated ‘Leisurely to Active’. There’ll be more than one walk available each day to suit different energy levels, with at least one shorter and one longer option.

    • Can I attend on my own?
      Absolutely! Many of our attendees are solo travellers.

    • When should I arrive?
      You are welcome to arrive from 5pm onwards on Friday evening. Your host will be at the venue ready to greet you, and dinner will be served at 8pm. If you intend to arrive after 10pm, please let us know.

    • I’d prefer vegetarian or vegan meals - can this be arranged?
      Yes, absolutely! We’re always supply a vegetarian or vegan meal, but please note this must be requested ahead of the trip. Complete the dietary section during the booking process and if your dietary needs change ahead of the trip please email the office and we’ll update your booking.

    • I’d prefer gluten-free meals - can this be arranged?
      We will provide meals using gluten-free ingredients, but due to the shared nature of the kitchen we cannot provide strictly gluten-free meals. Please let us know you’d like gluten-free ingredients ahead of time by completing the dietary section during the booking process.

    • I am allergic to a specific ingredient - can you provide meals for me?
      Due to the shared nature of the kitchen we are unable to provide meals suitable for those suffering from many allergies. Please contact the office before booking to discuss your requirements.

    • What transport is provided during this trip?
      We do not provide transportation during this trip.

    • Can I bring my dog?
      Dogs are not allowed on this trip, except for registered assistance dogs.


 

Book your Thames Walking Weekend

Early Bird Offer! 

Book by Sunday 5th November 2023 and save £50 with an Early Bird Ticket: £180pp booking a Bed in Shared Room, or £420 for two participants booking a Twin Room.

From Monday 6th November 2023 price will be £230pp Bed in Shared Room, or £520 Twin Room.