- On trail 15.3 mi 24.6 km
- Walking time 6–7 h
- Ascent 390 m 1,300 ft
- Descent 300 m 1,000 ft
- Difficulty Easy
Across the Thames and into the Chiltern hills.
Section 4: Streatley to Watlington map
Cross-check: National Trails route description . Opened 31 October 2026. The distance at the top of this page is measured between these ends. The route page's miles stay in the answers below.
The walk
The chalk downs end at the Thames, and this is the day the Ridgeway changes character. From the old crossing at Streatley and Goring, the trail follows the river for about five miles. Water meadows lead past South Stoke and Brunel's railway bridge to North Stoke. Then Grim's Ditch climbs into the woods, and Swyncombe Downs brings you to the escarpment above Watlington.
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Start of section
Streatley
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River crossing
The Thames at Goring
The trail crosses the Thames between Streatley and Goring, where it meets the Thames Path, then follows the river for about five miles through water meadows.
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Grim's Ditch
An old earthwork bank lined with trees, and a narrow path along it. One walker found it thrilling, and said it "made me smile".
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Pause
Swyncombe
St Botolph's, a small flint church at the hamlet of Swyncombe, on the climb over the downs, is a quiet place to pause.
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End of section
Watlington
Section 4: Streatley to Watlington overview
The ground
- Riverside
- Woodland
- Bridleway
A flat riverside morning, then woodland and one climb. A flat morning and a hilly afternoon. The next section, to Wendover, is the most undulating of the trail.
Stops
Refreshments
- Streatley and Goring (pubs)
- Watlington
Toilets
- The route page does not name a public toilet on this section
Before you go
Opposite direction
Watlington to Streatley
Walked from Watlington, the muddy approach and Swyncombe Downs come first, while you are fresh. The flint church at Swyncombe makes a good first stop. After Grim's Ditch the afternoon is easy, flat river walking to the station at Goring.
End of section
Streatley
Streatley to Watlington FAQ
How long is Streatley to Watlington?
The route page lists 15.3 miles (24.6 km). The distance at the top of this page is measured between these ends.
Can I walk this by train?
Yes, from one end. Goring & Streatley station is by the start. Watlington has no station; the nearest stations on the trail are Goring and Princes Risborough.
Can I download a GPX for Streatley to Watlington?
Yes. Use the GPX button at the top of this page. It is this section's line, for Garmin, Komoot, or your phone. Open the planner if you want a file built around your overnight stops.
Walk this as a day
Day 4 of the 6- and 7-day and Day 5 of the 8-day, starting from Goring. Open the planner on that preset, then export a full-trip or per-day GPX.
Open in planner Read the 6-day itinerary
Full-trip and per-day GPX files. Free, no account.
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