This section is 8.7 miles (13.9km) long - a map of it can be downloaded below.
Another short section of the Thames Path allowing plenty of time in the day to explore either, or both, lovely towns and to give your feet a relative rest if you're walking for several days!
Temple Island
Leaving Henley you follow the length of the regatta course along a very straight stretch of the river to Temple Island, the starting point for the races. The small temple is in fact a fishing lodge built as a landscape feature to enhance the view from nearby Fawley Court.
Hambleden and Hurley
The views across the river near Hambleden Lock are picturesque; the lock, a series of weirs across which you can walk and Hambleden Mill. The latter, white weatherboarded, only ceased working as a mill driven by a water turbine in 1955. Hurley, a few miles further downstream, is just a small village but has a tremendous history and many fine buildings to see.
Into Marlow
Your approach to Marlow starts with a lovely view of Bisham Church on the opposite bank; on a still, bright day its pale tower is beautifully reflected in the waters of the River Thames. A little further on you enter Marlow's Higginson Park just before the fine bridge. The people of Marlow really enjoy their river, and unless the weather is poor, the park will be full of people promenading, picnicking, feeding the ducks, or just sitting and looking.
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