The village of Streatley-on-Thames stands on the opposite side of the River Thames to Goring; Oxfordshire on one side and West Berkshire on the other, linked by a bridge which was built in 1923.
The river runs between the Chiltern Hills and Berkshire Downs in what is known as the Goring Gap. At this point the Thames Path and The Ridgeway National Trails as well as the Icknield Way cross the Thames. National Trust land surrounds the village which is situated within the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Streatley Hill is a popular cycling route and view point. At one point the performer Danny La Rue owned the Swan at Streatley.
Two National Trails – The Ridgeway and the Thames Path intersect at Goring and Streatley, making the villages a popular stopping off point for those who prefer long distance walks.
It is perhaps unique for two villages situated in different counties to operate largely as one interdependent community. But this is one of the features that make Goring and Streatley a special place. The views from Larden Chase(NT) meadow look across the river Goring to the Chilterns, there is also Hartslock Nature Reserve (BBWOT), an orchid rich11 acre site, with some stunning views. The Thames Path offers a walk through woods and beautiful riverside views.
Steve Gozdz- Goring Riverside Return – 2 hrs (£39pp)
Short on time? Love the riverside? Need a easy circular walk? Then this is the one for you. Covering a range of habitats, this is a 2 mile, flat circular walk via corn fields, wildflower meadows and coppiced woodland – with the return leg along the side of the stunning River Thames. During this walk we will hope to see and hear an array of Birdlife from Warblers to Raptors, Goldcrest to Kingfishers – I’ll help you spot as many as we can along the way. For those more interested in scenic views, various plant life with beautiful flowers, or a keen interest in insects, dragonflies and butterflies – you‘ll also not be disappointed.
Locks and Weirs
From the Streatley side of the river: pick up the signs for The Thames Path by the church behind the Swan, to take the ½ mile stroll from Goring Lock to Cleeve Lock, the shortest ‘reach’ between locks on the whole length of the Thames. A series of weirs and islands lead to the lock and its picnic garden, where sheep may be wandering on the river bank. The island adjoining the weir walkway has a famous owner: Pete Townsend of The Who.
Countryside Walks
From Goring you can follow the Ridgeway National Trail, England’s most ancient highway towards South Stoke. The route follows the Thames passing through water meadows to the very door of The Perch & Pike at South Stoke. You can also Take a boat trip with Salter’s Steamers. Scheduled passenger services from Goring run up river to Wallingford and down river to Beale Park, Mapledurham and Reading.
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