Walking

Two weeks ago, on what was then the hottest day of the year so far, Finn and I walked fourteen miles from Windsor to Marlow on the Thames Path.   The original plan was set aside - again! - because we were supposed to walk from Shiplake to Marlow - slap bang in the middle of the Henley Regatta.  Not a great idea for either parking, public transport or a highly exciteable dog who loves nothing better than jumping in the river at every given opportunity.  So plans were changed - as always - and we skipped a section and then walked the next section backwards.  If you're going to break your own rules, you might as well break them properly!

Although it was very hot, the path afforded a lot of shade - most of the route was tree lined with lots of branches overhanging the water - and there were plenty of fairly shallow bits for Finn to jump in and have a swim.  There were even little "beaches" where I had a paddle too - beautifully refreshing.  I walked in my walking sandals rather than boots and, boy, am I glad I did so.  I carried three litres of water and made sure we had plenty of sit downs for drinks and shade - normally, we go hell for leather to get to the end of the walk as soon as possible, but we did these fourteen miles in six and a bit hours which was very casual and comfortable for us both.

The houses we walked past were stunning - and, at one point, we were actually walking through gardens - the owners had fenced or hedged off the bit by the river so I had to put Finn back on the lead periodically to stop him running up to the houses - although he'd have had a long run to get there.  These properties and gardens were huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuge!

Maidenhead was about half way on our walk and things got a bit busier here - as expected.  Plenty of people sitting by the river having barbecues and picnics and lots of people swimming in the river.  We carried on as I wanted to have lunch somewhere quiet and without temptation for Finn - he's a bugger around other people's picnics!   As we headed towards Cookham, we came to a lovely little beach looking over to Cliveden National Trust property.  Finn went for a swim and I had a paddle and then sat and had my lunch, while sitting with my feet in the river.  Bliss.

We were flagging a bit in the afternoon - a combination of the heat and the mileage, but it didn't take us long to get to Marlow.  The houses here were a bit smaller than those we had passed so far, but the houses on this stretch had the benefit of beautiful views with the Chiltern Hills behind them.  If I had a choice, I would rather live in these houses than the ones I had seen earlier.  Although I can't imagine I'll ever have a choice like this one!