Rural waters

Colin Wharton takes you on a wonderful hike that explores the villages of Pangbourne, Goring and the River Thames

- Colin Wharton

Over fields, woodland and open vistas you go, covering a large stretch of the Thames Path and three beautiful rural villages. You’ll love prestigious Pangbourne, which lies on the south bank of the River Thames and has the Pang tributary flowing through it. It is thought that the water voles here inspired author Kenneth Grahame to come up with his character, Ratty, in The Wind in the Willows. Here you’ll find lots of pretty shops, pubs and striking sports cars. Pangbourne is linked to Whitchurch-on-Thames via a toll bridge over the River Thames. Most of Whitchurch-on-Thames is designated as a Conservation Area and is part of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Goring, also situated on the Thames, has a nature reserve run by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust, and you won’t want to miss the veiws if offers.