GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

Sonning to Shiplake River Walk

3.42 miles (5.5 km)

This Berkshire based village is in one of the most picturesque spots on the River Thames. In the area there's a pretty lock and weir with the little hamlet of Sonning Eye on the opposite side of the river. The village also includes a historic waterside mill where you can enjoy refreshment after your exercise.
This walk from the village takes you along a pleasant section of the Thames Path to the neighbouring village of Shiplake. It's an easy stroll running for a distance of just over 3 miles along the flat path.
The walk starts in the village where you can pick up the National Trail and follow it east along the river to Shiplake and Lower Shiplake. On the way you'll pass Hallsmead Ait, Phillimore's Island and some rushing weirs.

Postcode

RG4 6TY - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Sonning OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Sonning Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

The Mill at Sonning is a great place to relax after your walk. This lovely Dinner Theatre and bar is set in a converted 18th century flour mill on the banks of the river. The acclaimed site is notable as as the only dinner theatre in the United Kingdom. It includes a restaurant and bar area with a spinning waterwheel. Here you can enjoy Artisan Coffee, Homemade Cakes, a range of Sandwiches and delicious Hot Bar Food. You can find them at postcode RG4 6TY for your sat navs.

Photos

Sonning mill stream - geograph.org.uk - 947677

At the confluence of the backwater and the main channel of the River Thames at Sonning, England. This is at the downstream end of the mill stream, with the navigation bridge off to the left. The mill is well beyond the bridge that can be seen here, which is a pedestrian bridge giving access to the north bank Oxfordshire of the river which has become the towpath side (if heading downstream).

The River Thames, Sonning - geograph.org.uk - 578594

The River Thames, Sonning. The curve on the upstream approach to Sonning Bridge.The area was described by Jerome K. Jerome in his book Three Men in a Boat as "the most fairy-like little nook on the whole river".

Thames at Hallsmead Ait - geograph.org.uk - 2347898

Thames at Hallsmead Ait

The Thames floodplain, Shiplake - geograph.org.uk - 510658

The Thames floodplain, Shiplake. Looking across flooded fields towards the river in the region of Hallsmead Ait.

Phillimore's Island - geograph.org.uk - 2348484

Phillimore's Island

Thames at Shiplake - geograph.org.uk - 2348489

Thames at Shiplake

Shiplake Lock - geograph.org.uk - 2348567

Shiplake Lock

On Sonning Bridge - geograph.org.uk - 2512691

On Sonning Bridge

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Sonning.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)