GETTING AROUND

The Chilterns and Thames Valley are less than an hour by train from Euston, Marylebone and Paddington via West Midlands, Chiltern and Great Western Railways. Rail links with London are a boon for walkers and cyclists, who can carry bikes on trains outside rush hour and on bank holidays or weekends. Gateway towns, including Wendover and Henley-on-Thames, offer excellent cyclist facilities and services.

Circular routes in the region include the Chiltern Way (220 miles) or Chilterns Cycleway (170 miles). Most of the Cycleway is on-road with a few sections following cycle lanes, towpaths and bridleways.

Walkers can follow two longestablished routes: the Thames Path, a 184-mile walk between the river’s source in the Cotswolds and the Thames Barrier; and the Ridgeway, an ancient trackway which forms part of the Icknield Way. For details of other walking and cycling routes, see chilternsociety.org.uk.

Hobbs of Henley (01491 572035; hobbsofhenley.com) offer boat hire, public cruises and private charters along the Thames, or you can hire a narrowboat for a meander on the Grand Union Canal.