Sue's Sunday Walk - Whitchurch and Mapledurham

We start by crossing the River Thames over an elegant toll bridge which is Grade Two listed. The first bridge to cross the river here was constructed in 1792, replacing the local ferry. Over the years the bridge has been re-built whilst maintaining its original design and beauty.

This is the real starting point for this spectacular walk, with glimpses of pasture and wooded slopes, which crosses the river from Berkshire into Oxfordshire and then heads east to the village of Mapledurham. On the way we pass Hardwick House, a Tudor mansion where King Charles 1^st visited the house while he was a prisoner on escort from Oxford.

The small village of Mapledurham is home to a grand Elizabethan house which includes a priest hole and a private chapel. Nearby is a 15th century water mill which is Grade Two listed. The house, mill, and some of the other buildings in the village have been used for filming: The Eagle has Landed, Midsomer Murders, Inspector Morse, Mortimer and Whitehouse Gone Fishing, to name a few.

From here we head through woodland and footpaths, including part of the Chiltern Way, towards Goring Heath. On finally reaching the top of Whitchurch Hill we head down the hill to reach the end of the walk.