A leisure cycle ride from Reading to Henley-on-Thames following the River Thames crossing from Berkshire to Oxfordshire at the end of the summer.
This one has been in my idea’s notebook since last year but I wasn’t quite planned last year. I didn’t want to let it go for another year so tagged it on to the end of the this summer just about.
We start in Reading and follow the River Thames to Henley-on-Thames. While I do recommend this lovely ride I would potentially research an alternate route if you intend to try it. One of the problems I found was trying to confirm which parts of the Thames Path allow cycles. Some parts prohibit cycling, mainly due to the path crossing private land by permission, which would mean walking.
I had hoped to rely on signs but I found, for example, in one section that when I got to the end, it turned out that some part of it was no cycling. It may have been a short distance but without a sign at the start I was non the wiser. So if you intend to cycle this route you may need to walk your bike for some parts.
It is also worth mentioning that at present the path from Lower Shiplake to Henley via the weir is currently closed due to a safety issue on the boardwalk section. There doesn’t appear to be funding for the maintenance at present. Aside from that, this section is also no cycling. While I did see someone cycle it, it did appear quite narrow from what I saw at the start so your bike would likely need to be walked.
If visiting Henley-on-Thames, it’s also worth checking before you go whether the regatta is on as this may make it busy. Also if you intend hiring a motor boat, row boat or canoe, to ensure you’re out of the regatta event as the River will be unavailable during the rowing competition. Row boats can be hired from Hobbs of Henley not far from the bridge and Canoes and Kayaks can be hired from Henley Canoes further down in the park at their gazebo.
I hope you enjoy this one. Despite my first train being cancelled and a couple of wrong direction moments this was a great way to end the summer.
14 Comments
You put together some great routes, nice ride out thankyou!
Hi hun, I did a lot of work around Oxfordshire erecting mobile classrooms but I couldn't take my land rover to any of the places you got to on your visit, so I am seeing a lot of the area for the first time. Thank you Madison. Do remember it being a lot sunnier. ❤
Reading my old home town changed a lot since I was last there I bet the railway station certainly has I worked on the railways for 20 years.
Hi Madison .Love your rides .Have watched a couple but why don't you speak to us .I would watch more if there was some communication, perhaps saying where you are or making some comment on what you see.Sub titles don't do it for me ,sorry.
A beautiful ride.
Lovely to see, thanks Madison 😊
As soon as I hear your theme tune, I relax in anticipation of some fine cinematography.
😮Archimedes Screws – I had no idea about Reading Hydro
I'm not sure about the solar panes on the Edwardian? cottages at Sonning Lock. Being black, they weren't bad, but they weren't great, either.
Elysium was following you.
Henley & the Edwardian? waterfront houses with docks were stunning.
Hi Madison – another epic ride/long day out! I loved seeing all those narrowboats and cruisers (and the train/station shots). Some inventive photo angles and shooting there and as usual, I loved the piano – both the music and the playing. Top class! I wish I was as musical. Do you ever take commissions for music? Its only a thought at the minute, but I might have an intro theme once Gladys (finally) gets launched and I'm on the canals. Maybe I'll knock something up on the guitar myself, but I just wondered.
I've been in canoes on the Wye – but not alone like you were – you have guts, I have to say! As for seasickness – have you ever been on a narrowboat? I'd imagine you'd find it much calmer than a canoe.
Henley looked a bit posh to this valleys boy… though it was nice, I'd be happier on the Mon & Brec Canal!
Someone else has commented before me today that you don't narrate – and I totally get your reason for not doing so – as you want to give the rider's perspective as-it-is. We do hear snippets of your voice now and then when you pass other people, and it sounds great. From those, I'd think a few narrations now and then would be fine – but your videos do work perfectly as they are – so its up to you and I'd watch them whatever you do! Keep it up and well done for taking on these marathon journeys/the editing afterwards!😁👍
Beautifully video, you have a keen eye for capturing interesting things. Well done keep it up.
Hi there !! just watched your video and yet again its first class. You really do put lots of effort into the production of the video. Do you make notes on planning the ride and the area your going to? . We are going to Mid Summer Norton for a train ride with afternoon tea in the next week leaving the Bromptons at home. Are you going to come up to the Midlands at some point?Stay Safe Madison, looking forward to your next adventure!!!!
Nice route, camera work and music! Thanks.
After your experiences on the water, will you getting a packraft to take on the bike?
Lovely ride out . Some rough tracks your cycling skills are extremely good . Love your videos Madison
I liked your video so much that I watched it again. I don't know what this says about me but some of my favourite things about your videos is when you find a nice little cafe and get and a drink, something to eat and a slice of cake and chill out for a while. ❤
Do you think you would have been better off with a pedalo on the river 😊