Taplow to Maidenhead, 11 Jan

Travel: Be aware that not all Elizabeth Line trains call at Taplow. Take the 9.47 from Paddington,  platform B and meet at Taplow station 10.23.

Freedom pass is valid to Taplow and Maidenhead on the Elizabeth line only. Other train travel is outside the travel zones from West Drayton to Maidenhead. 

Our walk is about 8 miles and almost entirely flat. It is mainly on earth paths and they are likely to be muddy in patches.

We follow the New River from Taplow to Ray Mill Island at Boulters lock. There are toilets at its cafe (if those at Taplow station are not available.). We then follow an attractive stretch of the Thames path to Cookham for a leisurely lunch of picnic or choice of pub or cafe.

The Stanley Spencer Gallery should be available to visit, and those wishing to drop out at Cookham after about 4 miles can return to Maidenhead by an hourly service of train or bus.

The planned walking route returns to Maidenhead via flat paths crossing fields and other open space. Maidenhead high street has options for a rest before taking the twice hourly Elizabeth line trains back to Paddington or buying a ticket for the faster train options. 

Tony