Walhen two

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

A very enjoyable, largely off-road route, especially given that bluebells were in full bloom in the woods. It was a very easy route to follow with no confusing choices to make at path junctions.

Personally, I preferred WALHEN 1, as I feel that it had more variety in scenery and open farmland. However, this route would be recommended if you prefer to avoid settlements and any roads.

Wallingford to Henley 2 (Walhen 2) review.

An extensive ramble in the Chilterns, which does well in following wooded paths for almost its entire length

Historic Wallingford has plenty of amenities and well worth an explore. The Slow Way crosses the Thames and then footpaths lead through fields to join The Ridgeway National Trail. There are a couple of A-roads to cross.

The three miles of Ridgeway follow the Grim’s Ditch earthworks (Photos 1 & 2). A marvellous walk, but narrow and undulating in places. Watch out for cyclists at the Wallingford end. There is a water tap toward the Nuffield end [SU660871].

I remembered from my Ridgeway walk in 2019 that Holy Trinity Church in Nuffield offers refreshments. Incidentally, there are otherwise no break points on this Slow Way. Detours could be made to pubs, maybe at Highmoor or Bix, but I did not investigate these options.

The route continues through stretches of woodland, emerging periodically to cross farmland. The bridleway out from Nuffield looks like it can get rather muddy (Photo 3).

There is a brief pavement walk alongside the B481 in Highmoor (Photo 4), and then it is back to enjoying the trees.

The route weaves around a tennis court, pond (Photo 5) and a quiet lane. There is a final stretch of woodland, helpfully marked out by white arrows (Photo 6).

The approach into Henley crosses a golf course (Photo 7). There is only one point of caution where a fairway crosses the footpath. As with Wallingford, there is plenty to enjoy in Henley.

I walked from Henley to Wallingford.
Shops in Henley, stock up, there are few places to stop on this route.
Quickly out of Henley through quiet streets and across a well signed golf course. Then a mix of farm land but mostly beech woods on chalky soils. On this hot muggy September day the trees were full of haws, berries, crab apples, mast, acorns, blackberries galore (might be bluebells in spring), so colourful. Some very short section along quiet roads with wide verges, maybe 100m of vergeless roads in total.
The high point is Nuffield (couldn't find the Trig though). Nuffield Church is lovely inside and worth a visit if only for the tea and cake, for a voluntary contribution. Great views from here along the Ridgeway.
The paths are variable from wide tracks to undulating, narrow, muddy, rooty, tracks weaving between trees. Some steep parts, 30%. Chalk can be slippy when wet. Stiles, etc make this unsuitable for wheels. Following white arrows is good advice.
The Ridgeway is well signposted and a delight to walk. Great views through the hedge gaps.
Where you leave the Ridgeway to head towards Wallingford there is a busy roundabout on the A4047, I managed to cross the roads as shown, but if very busy you can cross the roads bit-by-bit at the roundabout itself.
Cutting across fields with crops and along a cut through takes you to the main road across the bridge into town. I can recommend the Dolphin Pub for an excellent breakfast served by friendly staff.
Really lovely walk.
PS. My phone GPS was playing up, so some photo locations are quite random.

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