Panorama of the Hambledon Lock hike in Chiltern Hills, England
Panorama of the Hambledon Lock hike in Chiltern Hills, England

Hambleden Lock Walk

Chiltern Hills
View Photos
Boats in the marina along the Hambledon Lock Hike in Chiltern Hills, EnglandWater falling under the rail bridge on the Hambledon Lock Hike in Chiltern Hills, EnglandThe Flower Pot pub on the Hambledon Lock Hike in Chiltern Hills, EnglandHambleden Weir on the Hambledon Lock Hike in Chiltern Hills, EnglandTrail of the Hambledon Lock Hike in Chiltern Hills, EnglandBoats near lock along the Hambledon Lock Hike in Chiltern Hills, EnglandThistles at the edge of the fields on the Hambledon Lock Hike in Chiltern Hills, EnglandGiant oak at the edge of the trail on the Hambledon Lock Hike in Chiltern Hills, EnglandBoats Moore near the Flower Pot pub on the Hambledon Lock Hike in Chiltern Hills, EnglandHorse in the field along the Hambledon Lock Hike in Chiltern Hills, England

Hambleden Lock Walk

Distance: 2.5mi
Elevation: 43ft
Time: 0.5-1h

Difficulty Rating:

User Ratings:
9.6 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty

The short, mostly paved Hambleden Lock walk is a great trail that the whole family will be sure to enjoy! Take your time exploring this unique river crossing, and watch the boats as they pass you by while navigating the locks!

Hambleden Lock Walk Map

Getting there

To get to the Hambleden Lock trailhead, use postcode RG9 6TL to reach the free, primary public car park on Skirmett Road. Public bus 850 runs directly from Reading via Henley-on-Thames in one direction, and from Marlow in the other. The bus stop is directly opposite the marina, and the stop name is Hambleden Mill End.

I’ve done this 56 people have done this
I want to do this 209 want to do this route

About

When to do

Year Round

Backcountry Campsites

No

Toilets

Trailhead

Family friendly

Yes

Route Signage

None

Crowd Levels

Low

Route Type

Circuit


Hambleden Lock Walk
Elevation Graph


Hambleden Lock Walk Description

Starting at the information board next to the toilets, exit the car park and cross onto the footpath on the other side of the road, turning right to continue on until you reach the T-junction with the main road. Taking care as you cross the road, turn right past the marina entrance, and then travel left down the public footpath.

Follow this path past the mill and all the way across the Thames, eventually reaching the lock on the other side. You are likely to see Egyptian geese and other ducks here, bracing themselves against the current! The benches by the lock are the perfect place to rest and watch boats pass by. When you are ready to leave the lock, take the wide gravel footpath on the left. This path slowly climbs uphill between two fields, until you reach a lane at the top. You will find The Flower Pot Pub on your left, a lovely place to stop for lunch or a drink.

Walk past the pub and turn immediately left down Aston Lane until you meet the river again. Pass through the wooden kissing gate on your left and walk through the field, with the river on your right. Exit the field at the end and turn right until you reach the lock. You should now recognise this part of the trail as where you started.

Crossing back over the river using the same bridge system, walk past the marina, and cross back over the main road. Return to the car park along Skirmett Road, enjoying the view of the fields on your right.

Trail highlights

Hambleden Lock

Built in 1773 and situated about 2.0mi downstream of Henley Bridge along the River Thames, the Hambleden Lock is a device that enables watercraft to navigate between the varying water levels along the river. The difference in height is due to a weir that spans the river and alters its flow rate/water levels.

Named after the nearby village of Hambleden to the north, the lock was rebuilt in 1870 after falling into a sorry state of repair, and was again rebuilt in 1994. Access to the lock is possible from the village of Astron along the same side of the river, as well as from Mill End on the opposite side by means of a walkway across the water.

Find other great walks in Chiltern Hills:

Insider Hints

  • Take a picnic to enjoy along the way, or stop at nearby Marlow: a popular village with ample restaurants, shops, and facilities.

  • Chiltern Valley Winery and Brewery is just a short drive further up Skirmett Road. Book a tour or visit the shop!

Comments

Allbitenobark 4 years ago

Love the variety of view in this hike! Definitely must try!

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
1h 00m Time Taken
Mr Dean 4 years ago

Easy and relaxing hike. Perfect fir the family!

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
1h 00m Time Taken
WanderLee 4 years ago

It's a place where we go to chill out and relax. Amazing place

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
1h 00m Time Taken
Reecewill178 4 years ago

Posh sceneries!

9.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
1h 00m Time Taken
Reecewill178 4 years ago

Blinding! A good place to hang after a stressful week at school.

9.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
1h 00m Time Taken
Bootwarmer 4 years ago

I would say it was a delightful walk in the quaint area.

8.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
1h 00m Time Taken
Sarah Potts 4 years ago

The river around Hambledon is a delightful place to walk.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
1h 30m Time Taken
Colt L 4 years ago

Georgeous surroundings. Next time, we'll try to rent a boat!

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
markbailey 4 years ago

A charming place for picnics and strolls.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
kimsam 4 years ago

we had a wonderful time wandering and talking about life, while admiring the beautiful views.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
27 Comments Show all

Similar hikes to the Hambleden Lock Walk hike

Loddon Brewery and Chilterns Boundary Walk

Loddon Brewery and Chilterns Boundary Walk

Difficulty:
2.8mi
279ft
1-1.5h

Revel in quintessential English countryside views, contrasted with red kites floating in the sky, a lovely church, and views of…

Gallowstree Common Circular Walk

Gallowstree Common Circular Walk

Difficulty:
3.9mi
423ft
1.5-2h

Enjoy varied scenery on the Gallowstree Common Circular Walk in the Chilterns, which loops through woodland, a pond, open fields,…

Woolton Hill Walk

Woolton Hill Walk

Difficulty:
5.2mi
728ft
2-3h

Get away from the noise and immerse yourself in quiet, natural surroundings on the 5.2mi Woolton Hill Walk…