The best way to explore and to truly understand the world is on foot. I think it enhances your senses like no other method of travel, plus it’s easy [most of the time] and cheap with the comparison to different modes of travelling.
We were on a roll with our walking and were in no hurry to let go of our enthusiasm to get fitter.
With that thought, it was another warm Spring day, the sun was shining, and it was Bank Holiday Weekend. It is one combination that many people living in the UK don’t usually experience altogether. Well, the spring day and a long weekend with unpredictable weather is the concoction that is dealt each year to all those that live in these parts of the world. If some of the conversations in the last weekend are anything to go by. Most included on more than one occasion, “I’ve decided to work, as it always rains during long weekends”, they must be cursing now about that having that sceptical view of the weather.
Could a long weekend with sunshine bring more walking opportunities to explore another part of the UK we have yet to enjoy?
The answer was yes.
Henley-on-Thames
While driving to where we were housesitting which is not far from Guildford we happen to drive through this part of the country. We made a mental note to check it out further. This occurred on a day where we just felt like walking with no other significant distraction for an hour or so than water and perhaps on the odd boatie.
Then it was a stroll through the town, all looking very festive with a string of small flags in the national colours of red, white and blue.
With the warmer weather, there seem to be more creative people selling their art, usually in a collective group within a community hall. We enjoy, well I say we very loosely, I should say “I” enjoy finding these little gems. Unfortunately, large paintings aren’t something we collect, for obvious reasons, as we go from one place to another. What I do love buying is cards, which hopefully I will frame when we buy our next home. I keep my collection in a tin box, not a large one, though it does hold a few!
Now back to our walk along the river of Henley-on-Thames. It is only a step and a hop from having a wander around the shops, a well-deserved cup of coffee with an even yummier lunch to again walking along the river.
The combination of all were the makings of a good day out.
Walton-on-Thames – Our second destination.
Driving through the township, had us wondering if we had made the right decision. Then we viewed the river, with rows of houses and an assortment of boats moored outside with a tree-lined path to follow for a few miles. We wondered no longer, it would do as a destination to wander around another community by the river.
A significant positive was the free parking. That instantly took this visit to the next level and received a big thumbs up from us. Parking is sometimes like finding a needle in a haystack. With free parking basically unheard of in many places around this part of the world.
The second positive was the path. It was a well maintained and level. On that said path we turned right to start our walk. Which took us along the way to two gastropubs, the Swan and the Anglers in which to indulge in something to eat and drink.
On the return walk back to the car we chose The Swan. The food and coffee was nothing to rave about, the view and the opportunity to relax in comfortable chairs were something to enjoy. There is another activity we find quite intriguing, and that is people watching the conversations that can be heard as they compete to be heard. Another distraction in between bites of food is the inclusion of dogs that are allowed in eateries in part of the world. Most are very well behaved, and as dog walkers, we love that we are able to take our chargers with us while out exploring. Not always is this possible though we do include the ones that would enjoy a different view and a longer walk.
With the beautiful weather and a holiday to boot, people were out to enjoy this unusual combination. With picnics spread out as well as people sprawled out capturing the sun on their so white bodies. I was thinking quietly to myself that I hoped they had sunscreen on. Then there were the more energic and younger members of the community rowing down the river.
What I did notice is very few people were receptive to a cheery hello from strangers. Was it because we were closer to London? Maybe. In other areas, we have housesat a hello was part of our walk, not the day we strode down by the Thames.
The people who were chatty did add a few laughs to our walk. Like the owners of this character. A small dog and a long stick. Apparently, this isn’t the largest one he has been known to run off in haste with it in his mouth.
There you have it, how we spent our sunny Bank Holiday in May on the River Thames. As our newly acquainted mate above would say, “Just Grab it and Go with it”.
Life at No. 22 
Henley and Walton are lovely towns but I think the unfriendliness is a big city thing. You don’t get many people in the big cities like London just saying hello and passing the time unfortunately.
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That’s about it, the big city effect. Though the people at the Art Sale were friendly and chatty.
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Generally people walking on paths do greet one another, but not in towns. The more specialised your footwear, the more likely you are to greet someone on your walk.
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Depends on what town, April. That walk was the first one where we encountered a lack of cheery hellos. Not a problem just a mere observation 🙂
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It must just be the places I go to that don’t do it 😦
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That looks like a beautiful hike! I would have loved to go kayaking on that river… it looks so peaceful. Btw, I would have said “hi” to you for sure!
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Yes, I know you would’ve Janis🙂
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Hi Suzanne, it was lovely to see photos and read about this different area of the Thames. Usually it is seen by most of us in London rather than further along. Walking and wandering when travelling is something my husband and I enjoy. We can go at our own pace and discover hidden gems. Enjoy!
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Apologies for not answering this sooner Sue, as unfortunately, your comment went into my spam folder. Definitely into going at our own pace, makes it far more pleasurable and memorable!
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Oh that’s fine Suzanne thanks for finding me 🙂
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A walk with a pub en route is always a good thing? I find the further south you go the less likely people are to smile and say hello. My nieces from London are horrified when they come up to Glasgow and we talk to people!
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In New Zealand it’s very common to say hello to fellow walkers. More in the smaller places than cities. Pub on a walk is not a good thing per say though a very English thing? It was a treat for us and definitely not a regular occurrence.
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Not sure I meant to add a question mark to that! I always like to have a pub or a tea room somewhere in view, though here it’s often after a drive at the end. In the Lakes, for example, everything is much closer together.
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On foot is by far the best way. As The Bean …. she knows 😉 She also knows the tow-path at Henley very well indeed. Both places are lovely (did anyone confide that Henley is often top in the most expensive place to live in Britain poll?) and I can recommend the rowing too!
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Not sure it deserves the title of the most expensive place to live. I can think of many other beautiful places I would rather set up home. No don’t recommend rowing, I would fall out in attempting that sport! 🙂
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I was an Olympic Rower. Henley doesn’t purport it IS the most expensive place. It vies with Beaconsfield in Bucks which is pretty but you would probably have the same reaction only more so as you have to Henley – Beaconsfield doesn’t even have Old Father Thames running through it! The reason for Henley’s premium is it’s position on the Upper Thames, it’s proximity to London and the hills surrounding. And the rowing. Leander Club is there. The regatta that still has the greatest clout of them all is there. Property, even a modest two bedroomed goes for breathtaking prices. We had a cheese shop there for several years in the 90s … we could almost name our price for a piece of cheddar. The thing with money is that it tends to rise exponentially with a certain foolish desire to impress. Which is probably why I call myself the richest poor girl in the world because I have absolutely no desire to impress. Not even in my rowing boat wink 😉 🚣♂️
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Well, Osyth you never cease to surprise me!! Yes, I did realise why Henley is so expensive. Good to you ceasing the opportunity sell Cheddar at high prices. You no doubt worked very hard and had to deal with the general public so credence to you. I have done kayaking in NZ even white water rafting, 100% given for effort 10% for skill. I took up another sport 🙂 Money at the end of the day gives people choices it does not bring automatic happiness. I know a few who are not doing what they want in life though have the money to do so. Crazy!! Life is too damned short.
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Hallelujah and pass the tambourine for that closing line! I could not agree more. I am absolutely petrified of kayaking – did it once in the Aveyron and will never ever do it again so credence to you! Still love rowing though. Much less risky! My first customer in the shop was Benny from ABBA – he was awfully nice but my heavens he was not the yardstick for most of them!
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What a lovely day out by the river you had. Great photos as always. We have yet to do a walk along a river with canal boats. I have a feeling we have a few coming up☺️
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Thanks Wyn, yes we have a few coming up, though they will be different! Looking forward to it. It’s going to be fun 🙂
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What a glorious walk. I agree, the best way to see the world is on foot if possible!
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Thanks Cathy it was a fun day out away from looking at “oldish buildings” 🙂
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Wonderful blog.
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Thanks 🙂
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Totally agree that the best way to explore is on foot – sometimes it’s the only way. 😉
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Yes, you are right Nilla, lots of times it is the only way. Then you see the roads/area and you understand why 🙂
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Listen to us sages! 🙂
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LOL 🙂 🙂
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I love walks by the river with narrow boats – sounds like a lovely place to visit!
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I totally agree about walking Suzanne, you get to see so much & and take it all in at your own pace. Lovely photos & you made me smile about the pessimism of our Bank holiday weather, we’ve been pleasantly surprised lately 😎
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