[1] From car park, cross the road and turn right to cross the railway line. Turn immediately left to follow the Thames Path.
(A) The Thames Path was opened in 1996 following the length of the River, sometimes on one bank, sometimes on the other, from its source near Kemble in Gloucestershire to the Thames Barrier at Greenwich, some 184 miles. The entire length of the Path can be walked and some parts cycled; and most of it uses the original towpath.
At first the path runs beside the railway line and then turns right through a metal kissing gate eventually crossing a gravelled private road before meeting Bolney Road. Turn left and following the Thames Path signs continue to the end of the road then take the path to the left of the private drive ahead.
Shortly, in the large garden on your right, notice the narrow gauge railway complete with station buildings.
The path passes over a short wooden bridge before crossing a field to the riverside.
[2] Follow the path through the meadow with the Thames on your right. In a few hundred yards look out for a light grey house on the opposite bank of the river.
(B) Visible from the Path, above and beyond the house, and still carrying traffic on the A321 from Wargrave to Henley, Conway’s Bridge is a rustic, arched stone structure. Designed by Humphrey Gainsborough, brother of the artist Thomas, it was built in 1763 and is named after Henry Seymour Conway (1721 – 1795) of the surrounding Park Place Estate.
At the end of the meadow enter a narrow footpath leading to a long footbridge over the waters of the Thames to reach Marsh Lock. The footbridge continues beyond the lock and the water on your left, after leaving the sluice gates, can at times be very rough! Follow Thames Path signs, turning right on the tarmac riverside path past Mill Meadow and continue on riverside pavements past pleasure boats and buildings to reach Henley Bridge.
[3] Cross the road at traffic lights by the Angel on the Bridge and then cross the Thames. About 35 yards from the bridge turn left following the Thames path sign through a walkway flanked with ivy to the left and the brick wall of the Leander Club on the right.
(C) Leander Club was founded in 1818 on the Tideway in London and is one of the oldest rowing clubs in the world, though in its early days it was as much a social association as a competitive club. Membership numbers were restricted, initially to 16, then 25 and 35 until the limit was abolished in 1862. In 1858 it began to recruit from Oxford and Cambridge Universities. Women were not admitted to membership until 1998! Leander was London based until it purchased land in Henley in 1897 and built its present clubhouse flying the famous pink flag. Famous members include Steve Redgrave, Matthew Pinsent, Hugh Laurie and James Cracknell.
Keep to the riverbank passing Temple Island and eventually reaching Hambleden Lock.
(D) The Island lies at the start of the course for Henley Royal Regatta, on the reach above Hambleden Lock. The downstream part of the Island contains a nature reserve. But the main feature is an elegant ornamental temple (a folly) designed by the famous 18th century architect James Wyatt as a fishing lodge for nearby Fawley Court and constructed in 1771. In 1987 the Regatta was able to purchase a 999 years lease of the Island and temple, and significant restoration work has been completed.
At the far end of the lock turn left over lock gate and over weir. Bear left following arrow on fence and pass between cottages. Cross the road with care and follow pavement going round to left alongside road sign posted to Hambleden. The car park is 500 yards from the junction.
Bus stops are located on the A14565 by the turning towards the car park.
If you wish to continue with the next section of the Wokingham Way, continue on the Thames Path instead of crossing the lock.