06/05/24 - Chiltern Chain Walk - Stage 20 - Goring

The End of this Particular Road

The final stage of the Chiltern Chain Walk. Nearly 6 years ago, I set off on the Dunstable Downs, aiming to complete these series of interconnected walks at a rate of 4 per year. Not quite hitting the target but a fair effort considering the journey lengths involved.

An early start to Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. End of the Ridgeway and staring at Berkshire on the other side of an odd little wooden and concrete bridge. The Catherine Wheel or Miller of Mansfield identified for post ramble celebration.

The Berkshire / Oxfordshire Divide

Head east out of the village. A heavily laden cache trail providing entertainment through the downs and into Great Chalk Wood. Yep, the first half of this walk is all woodland. Said it many times on this trail - great walking but dull photos.

The terrain changes as we reach Mapledurham. Alas, its a dead end lane into the village, otherwise I would have been able to embed a YouTube from the 1976 film, The Eagle has Landed. I've been before and with 13.5 miles the longest walk in 2024, I couldn't afford to add anything extra.

Instead, its west, through the grounds of Hardwick House but never getting a clear view from close to bring a photo. Lunch stop on a bench on the outskirts of Whitchurch-on-Thames. A final push along the geocache heavy Thames Path back to Goring.

Little to photo - but here is a WW2 Pillbox guarding the Thames

Into the village on wobbly legs. The Catherine Wheel is a Brakspear pub, which has become the theme of these latter stages of CCW. I try my luck for a better pint but probably a worse pub at the Miller of Mansfield.

The Miller of Mansfield

All too Gastro for my liking. But its a bit fur coat and no knickers. 14 years ago  I stayed here for work and my double room - immaculately decorated - had no door for the en-suite. Hardly inspiring a romantic getaway.

Today, after battling for service with a man rather annoyed he had been served smelly fish - I find a decent pint of Renegade Good Old Boy. I even manage to get it topped up to the King's Pint by using only my eyes.

God, I am good at pubbing.

A chance to reflect on another goal ticked off.

Time to set a new one.

Good Old Boy

Walk Information

Distance - 13.5 Miles

Geocaches - 22 

Walk Inspiration

Previous Stages - Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4, Stage 5, Stage 6, Stage 7, Stage 8, Stage 9, Stage 10, Stage 11, Stage 12, Stage 13, Stage 14, Stage 15, Stage 16, Stage 17, Stage 18, Stage 19