The best walks and hikes around Little Marlow

Yes, the area is great for walking with dogs. Many trails cross open fields and follow riverside paths. The Cock Marsh Nature Reserve – The Bounty loop from Bourne End is a good option, offering wide-open spaces. Just be mindful of grazing livestock and wildlife, especially in nature reserves, and keep your dog under control.

For a walk that's manageable for little legs, consider the St John's Church – Spade Oak Nature Reserve loop from Little Marlow. It's a short, flat route that follows the River Thames and circles Spade Oak Lake, making it ideal for families and great for spotting birds.

While most trails are gentle, you can find more elevation by heading towards the Chiltern Hills. The Hiking loop from Marlow Bottom offers a more moderate challenge with over 150 meters of climbing, rewarding you with some lovely views over the surrounding landscape.

Many routes pass near traditional pubs. A popular choice is the walk that takes you through Cock Marsh, which is close to The Bounty pub in Bourne End. This allows you to easily combine a scenic riverside walk with a refreshing break.

The footpaths, especially those along the River Thames and through meadows like Cock Marsh, can become very muddy after rainfall. It's always a good idea to wear waterproof hiking boots, particularly outside of the dry summer months.

The Spade Oak Nature Reserve is a key location for wildlife spotting. As a flooded gravel pit, it attracts a wide variety of wildfowl and other birds. Keep an eye out for different species as you walk the paths around the lake and along the river.

Yes, several walks incorporate sections of the Thames Path. A great example is the Marlow Town Centre – Marlow Suspension Bridge loop from Marlow Bottom, which includes a lovely stretch along the river, offering picturesque views of the water and boats.

Parking is available in Little Marlow village, often near the church or local pubs, but it can be limited. For some routes, it may be easier to park in nearby towns like Marlow or Bourne End and start your walk from there, as they offer more extensive public parking facilities.

The hiking routes around Little Marlow are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the variety of scenery, from the peaceful River Thames to the quiet woodlands and bird-rich nature reserves.

There are over 15 curated hiking routes to explore around Little Marlow. These range from easy, flat riverside strolls to more moderate woodland hikes, ensuring there's a trail for every ability level.

Besides the immediate village footpaths, hikers often explore several well-regarded nearby areas:

• Chilterns National Landscape: A vast, popular area offering extensive hiking trails through rolling hills and woodland.
• Cock Marsh: A favorite for its wide-open riverside paths and unique landscape managed by the National Trust.
• Bisham Woods: A beautiful and historic woodland offering scenic lookouts over the Thames and Marlow.