Streatley boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the South of England, combining the rolling hills of the Chilterns with the River Thames and the idyllic village itself
The Ridgeway (1 mile circular walk, views of Streatley and the Thames, 45 minutes easy walking)
From the top of the high street, drive up Streatley hill passing The Bull on the left and park in the car park on the right hand side at the top of the hill.
As you go out of the car park and through the gate you will be greeted with the view in the photograph. The footpath that you are now on leads along the crest of the hill, giving fantastic views of the village of Streatley and the river Thames.
Last year, at the time of the solar eclipse, the scene in the photograph included over 100 people. Streatley was in an area of around 98% of totality and although not in complete darkness there was a definite reduction in light level and a drop in temperature.
Continue along the footpath as it rounds the corner to the left and go through the gate. The path drops down now, and ahead of you there is a gate which leads onto a lane. Go through the gate and turn left up the lane.
Walk up the lane past Streatley Golf Club, and after a few hundred yards you will discover the footpath sign-posted again to your left. Take this, noting the warning signs for overhead golf balls!
This path now takes you up through Streatley golf course. You have to cross two fairways, but as long as you watch out to ensure there is no one driving off then there is no problem in crossing. As the footpath climbs once again there are fantastic views of the Ridgeway and surrounding fields.
This walk finishes when the footpath dives into the trees at the side of the golf course, and all being well you should find yourself back in the car park!
This walk last updated July 2000
Walk 2
Short stroll by the Goring bank (0.5 miles circular walk, views of the Thames at Goring, passing the art shop, 20 minutes easy walking)
If you are approaching Goring from the Streatley side of the river, then cross the bridge into Goring, take the first right and follow the parking signs to Goring public car park. Parking is free at weekends and 10p per hour during the week.
Walk out of the car park the way you drove in and turn right. The road curves gently round to the right. After a hundred yards the road straightens out and Ferry Lane is on your left. Go down Ferry Lane.
The footpath begins at the end of Ferry Lane and leads to the river after about 200 yards. Once you reach the river turn right. You will see the bridge in the distance as shown in the photograph at the top of this page. There is a small grassy area here with a bench where you can rest and watch the river traffic.
Carry on along the footpath by the river bank and shortly before reaching the bridge you will find you can turn right to head back into Goring. There is an interesting map here showing where Streatley is in relation to Henley, Oxford and other spots on the Thames. You can go under the bridge and spend some time at the Goring lock watching the boats, or take the right turn towards Goring.
As you turn right notice the water mill, and after that an art shop. Past these and the path comes up to level with the road. Taking the pavement at this point allows you to walk back into Goring village on the road you drove in on. This time instead of taking the first right, cross over the turn and you can walk past the general stores and other shops to reach a footpath on the right just before the post office. If you turn down here you will find yourself back at the car park.
This walk last updated July 2000
Other places of interest
Basildon Park
This beautiful Palladian mansion was built in 1776–83 by John Carr for Francis Sykes, who had made his fortune in India. The interior is notable for its original delicate plasterwork and elegant staircase, as well as for the unusual Octagon Room. The house fell on hard times in the early part of this century, but was rescued by Lord & Lady Iliffe, who restored it and filled it with fine pictures and furniture. The early 19th-century pleasure grounds are currently being restored, and there are waymarked trails through the parkland. At the top of Streatley Hill nearby is a car park giving access to The Holies and Lardon Chase, an outstanding area of downland and woodland with many beautiful walks and breathtaking views.
Opening details are as follows :
House: 1 April to 31 Oct: daily except Mon & Tues (closed Good Fri, but open BH Mons) 1–5.30. Park, garden & woodland walks: as house 12–5.30. Note: Property closes at 5 on 11/12 Aug for concerts.
Admission £4.20: child £2.10; family £10.50. Park & garden only £1.80; child 90p; family £4.50. Parties of 15+ £3, only on application to Property Manager. Parking in grounds, 400m from house 1 April to 31 Oct: as house 12–5.30; also 3 Nov to 17 Dec: Fri, Sat & Sun 12–4.