The Thames Path Day 3: Aston to Cookham

Everything came together well to make this our best day on the Thames so far. The weather was great and the scenery was better. Highlights included a herd of hundreds of deer and fantastic reflections off the early-morning Thames.

We were on the trail before 8am. The hotel’s breakfast was pricey and not available early, so we enjoyed yoghurts and flapjacks that we had bought the previous day.

Our trail soon took us through the Culham Faw Estate. Due to the legal status of Public Footpaths in England, we could walk right through the middle of the estate, as long as we stuck to the footpath.

The views across the 3,500-acre estate were tremendous in the morning light. The morning dew glistened in the early sun and we caught a view of the Thames.

We looked up hill and saw the estate’s large deer herd. What a sight!

On the far side of the estate, the path took us through the middle of a sheep field. They were mellow, enjoying the warmth of the rising sun.

We exited the estate and followed the river again.

The unexpected treat was the amazing reflections off the river.

The footpath also provided some interest.

Hurley lock included a set of bridges to an island and the lock.

The trail continued to follow the river which provided beautiful scenery.

The trail detour headed away from the river and past Temple Mill Island that used to have three water mills to help beat copper and brass. The trail had a few more pleasant surprises.

Our next stop was Marlow. We crossed a beautiful bridge, entering a new county,

We had walked nearly seven miles and were hungry so we grabbed an early lunch with tea and coffee at Cafe Fego.

The drinks and food revived us for the next stage – walking through Marlow and back to the river.

As we headed through Marlow, we passed more walkers and several joggers ran by. Schools used rowing as P.E.! We even saw a group of open water swimmers, wisely swimming downstream.

Our final bridge crossing for the day was at Bourne End.

Soon, we arrived in Cookham after an 11.4 mile day. We were before our check in time and felt peckish, so cake at the Teapot Tea Shop was next before finishing the day.

It was great arriving mid-afternoon, giving us plenty of time to chill in the room and relax before dinner. We enjoyed poussin (baby chicken) and pork belly at the hotel.

We had finished three days and thirty-four miles along the Thames. The next day is about ten miles, taking us to Windsor, in the shadow of the castle, and where we meet Eric and Keesha for exciting days as we enter London.