Hurley, Ashley Hill and the Dew Drop Inn

From a Historic Village Beside the Thames to a Secluded Old Inn

This scenic walk begins and ends in the village of Hurley, splendidly sited by the River Thames. Originally settled in Saxon times because the river could be forded here, the village owes its importance and fine ancient buildings to the establishment of the Benedictine Priory of Saint Mary in 1086. The priory church features a Norman porch, and the complex includes an 11th-century dovecote with 750 nesting boxes as well as huge monastic tithe barns.

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Start Point

Hurley

Grid Ref: SU 82548 84017

Total Distance

6.8 miles (11.0 km)

Total Climbing

135 metres

Estimated Time

3 hours

Difficulty Grade

Moderate

Trail Navigation Files:

💾 Download GPX Route Google Earth (KMZ) 📖 About Hurley

Ordnance Survey Explorer Map (1:25,000)

Essential paper map for exploring Chiltern Hills East, High Wycombe, Maidenhead and Rickmansworth:

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The Walk Report

Following the river past Hurley Lock and lush riverside meadows, the route ascends toward Ashley Hill through woodland remnants of the great southern forest.

Descending into a secluded dell, you encounter the 300-year-old Dew Drop Inn, one of England's most secluded pubs, featuring a flint-faced facade and garden views toward the river.

The Olde Bell at Hurley — Ye Olde Bell at Hurley

Returning to Hurley village, you pass Ye Olde Bell (dating from 1135 and claiming to be the oldest surviving inn in England, frequented by US Naval Intelligence and General Dwight D. Eisenhower during World War II).

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

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Hurley, Ashley Hill and the Dew Drop Inn

Ordnance Survey Explorer Map (1:25,000)

The Walk Report

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