A leisure cycle ride from Reading to Henley-on-Thames following the River Thames crossing from Berkshire to Oxfordshire at the end of the summer.

This one has been in my idea's notebook since last year but I wasn't quite planned last year. I didn't want to let it go for another year so tagged it on to the end of the this summer just about.

We start in Reading and follow the River Thames to Henley-on-Thames. While I do recommend this lovely ride I would potentially research an alternate route if you intend to try it. One of the problems I found was trying to confirm which parts of the Thames Path allow cycles. Some parts prohibit cycling, mainly due to the path crossing private land by permission, which would mean walking.

I had hoped to rely on signs but I found, for example, in one section that when I got to the end, it turned out that some part of it was no cycling. It may have been a short distance but without a sign at the start I was non the wiser. So if you intend to cycle this route you may need to walk your bike for some parts.

It is also worth mentioning that at present the path from Lower Shiplake to Henley via the weir is currently closed due to a safety issue on the boardwalk section. There doesn't appear to be funding for the maintenance at present. Aside from that, this section is also no cycling. While I did see someone cycle it, it did appear quite narrow from what I saw at the start so your bike would likely need to be walked.

If visiting Henley-on-Thames, it's also worth checking before you go whether the regatta is on as this may make it busy. Also if you intend hiring a motor boat, row boat or canoe, to ensure you're out of the regatta event as the River will be unavailable during the rowing competition. Row boats can be hired from Hobbs of Henley not far from the bridge and Canoes and Kayaks can be hired from Henley Canoes further down in the park at their gazebo.

I hope you enjoy this one. Despite my first train being cancelled and a couple of wrong direction moments this was a great way to end the summer.