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Pangbourne, Whitchurch-on-Thames and Mapledurham

A Walk Around the Part of the Thames Responsible for the Creation of 'The Wind in the Willows'

This walk gives a brief introduction to the area where the author Kenneth Grahame lived during the latter part of his life. The route starts by crossing the River Thames and overlooks the quiet stretches of river which may well be those described in his famous book, 'The Wind in the Willows'. The walk continues along lanes and passes the grand house of Mapledurham, which may have been the inspiration for Toad Hall, the home of Grahame's flamboyant character, Mr Toad.

Start Point
Pangbourne
Grid Ref: SU 63409 76426
Total Distance
7.6 miles (12.2 km)
Total Climbing
134 metres
Estimated Time
3–4 hours
Difficulty Grade
Easy

Ordnance Survey Explorer Map (1:25,000)

Essential paper map for exploring Reading, Wokingham and Pangbourne:

The Walk Report

The walk starts in Pangbourne, where Kenneth Grahame and his wife lived at Church Cottage. Passing through the centre of Pangbourne, the route leads to the river, the Toll Bridge, and Whitchurch-on-Thames. The view upstream is of the lock, while the old part of Whitchurch features a Domesday-recorded mill pond and church.

Continuing past the Ferryboat Inn and Eastfield Lane, the route passes Bozedown Farm and the Hardwick estate. Wildlife along this stretch includes badgers, foxes, swans, herons, and Canada geese.

Whitchurch-on-Thames Toll Bridge
Whitchurch-on-Thames Toll Bridge
River Thames between Whitchurch and Mapledurham
River Thames between Whitchurch and Mapledurham
Mapledurham House
Mapledurham House
St Mary's, Whitchurch-on-Thames
St Mary's, Whitchurch-on-Thames

The walk continues into the unspoiled manorial settlement of Mapledurham, featuring 1614 almshouses and the grand Mapledurham House (which also featured in the 1976 film 'The Eagle has Landed').

On the return walk through the beechwoods, you pass a pit known as the 'Bear Pit' before heading down past Path Hill Farm and St Mary's Church back to Pangbourne.


Acknowledgment: Text derived from the Out and Out Series; Discovering the Countryside on Foot. Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia.

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