Goring Circular Walk via Hill Bottom
An 11.3-Mile Chilterns Route from Goring & Streatley
This circular walk starts and ends at Goring & Streatley station and loops through the rolling hills of the Chilterns, taking in ancient woodland, quiet village lanes and wide views over the Thames Valley. Most walkers complete the full loop in around 4–5 hours, with three traditional pubs along the way for a well-earned break.
The Walk in Three Stages
Station to Hill Bottom
- Start at Goring & Streatley station, head north up Station Road, then left onto the Ridgeway footpath.
- Climb steady chalk slopes to Hill Bottom hamlet, with views east over the Thames Valley.
Woods to Whitchurch Hill
- Descend into Ashampstead Woods — bluebells and fresh beech leaves in spring.
- Follow quiet lanes to Whitchurch Hill, passing the old telephone exchange, now a small gallery of local crafts.
Back to Goring
- Loop back across open downland, with glimpses of the Thames, before dropping to the riverside path.
- Finish with a riverside stroll back into Goring.
Good to know: maps — OS Explorer 171 & Chiltern Hills West. Best time to go — late April to early May, for bluebells and fresh beech foliage. Underfoot — mixed chalk tracks and forest trails (can be muddy after rain), plus quiet lanes.
History & Local Lore
The footpaths on this route have been in use since medieval times, once linking market towns with hilltop hamlets. Look out for ancient beech pollards — remnants of the area's historically managed woodland — and, in places, the faint outlines of flint foundations from long-abandoned farmsteads. Local folklore also tells of a woodland spirit said to watch over these hills; on a misty morning, walking the bluebell-carpeted glades, it's easy to see why the story has stuck.
Getting to the Start
By train: From London Paddington, GWR services run to Goring & Streatley in around 49–60 minutes, roughly every 30 minutes off-peak. Advance tickets are typically available from around £25.
By car: Head west on the M4, leave at Junction 12 for the A4, then follow signs through Pangbourne to Goring — about 70 km (43 miles) from central London, roughly 1 hour 15 minutes depending on traffic.
Please note: train times and fares change regularly — check National Rail or GWR directly for the latest information before you travel.
Parking
- Station car park (APCOA, RG8 9AT): £6/day Mon–Fri (£4.60 after 10am), £4.60 Sat–Sun. Free for blue badge holders.
- Wheel Orchard car park (RG8 9HB): free for the first hour, then £2.20 up to 2 hours, £5 up to 5 hours, £6 up to 10 hours.
Pubs & Stops Along the Way
- The Fox, Hill Bottom: a traditional alehouse known for homemade pies.
- The Red Lion, Whitchurch Hill: open fires and a good range of local lagers.
- The Swan, Streatley: riverside views and hearty Sunday roasts.
- Pierreponts, Goring Wharf: a relaxed tea room serving cakes and ice cream (closes 5pm Saturday, closed Sunday).
Before you set off: aim to start by around 9am — the woods are at their best in early light, and most pubs close by 5pm. Wear boots with good grip, as chalk paths get slippery when wet, and pack a waterproof layer in case of a passing shower. Binoculars are worth bringing too — kestrels and buzzards are regularly seen over these hills.
About the Chilterns
The Chilterns is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty stretching across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and beyond — a landscape of beech woodland, chalk downland and quiet river valleys. The stretch around Goring and the Thames sits right at its western edge, making it an easy, scenic day trip from London.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Goring Circular walk via Hill Bottom take?
The full loop is 11.3 miles (18km) with 342m of ascent and descent. Most walkers complete it in around 4–5 hours, including stops at the pubs along the route.
How do I get to the start of the walk from London?
Take a GWR train from London Paddington to Goring & Streatley, a journey of around 49–60 minutes. By car, it's roughly 70km (43 miles) via the M4 and A4, about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Where can I park for this walk?
There's a station car park (APCOA, RG8 9AT) and the Wheel Orchard car park (RG8 9HB) nearby, both a short walk from the start point. Charges vary by day and duration — see the parking section above for details.
When is the best time of year to walk this route?
Late April to early May is ideal, when the beech woods are in fresh leaf and the woodland floor is carpeted with bluebells.
Plan Your Chilterns Day Out
An easy train ride from London, with historic paths, bluebell woods and a choice of good pubs to finish on.
This article is proudly sponsored by AllTrails.
