Marlow to Maidenhead

After getting back to Marlow by train, we did a bit of shopping before starting the walk. To start off, the journey to Bourne End followed closely, not only the river, but also the railway line we had just taken - even crossing the Thames by the same bridge.

The walk continued to Cookham, passing the church made more famous by artist Sir Stanley Spencer. You could almost imagine The Resurrection.

We had to choose where to have lunch - the Ferry, the Bel and Dragon, or the King's Arms? The B & D looked like it had lots of lobsters, truffles, etc. - but walkers need something simpler, so we chose the King's Arms, and were very happy with our choice.

Next was the Stanley Spencer gallery, a planned highlight. Not large, but packed with his works (now more so than usual because of additional loans).

We had toyed with the idea of visiting Cliveden as well, but this is on the opposite bank, with no
access from the Thames Path. It would have been a long diversion by taxi. Instead, we continued along the path, with just a few glimpses of the Cliveden estate opposite. Past Boulter's Lock (ice cream kiosk), we arrived in Maidenhead, where the railway station seemed too far away from the river.

We saw one possible Great Crested Grebe and a pair of low-flying kestrels and the usual geese and ducks today.