The stretch of Thames Path between Marlow and Henley-on-Thames is one of the finest sections of the entire national trail. The walk is about 8 miles each way, entirely flat, and follows the river through water meadows, past Hurley Lock and the pretty village of Hurley, and on through Medmenham to Henley. You pass Temple Island — the start point of the Henley Royal Regatta course — before arriving in Henley itself.
The walk works well as a day out: take the train to Marlow, walk to Henley, and catch a train back from Henley station. Or do a shorter loop by turning back at Hurley, about 3 miles from Marlow, where there is a good pub. The path is well-maintained and signposted throughout, and the scenery — chalk hills rising above the river, willow-fringed banks, the occasional red kite overhead — is quintessentially English countryside.