Wargrave, Hurley & the Dew Drop: Boys, Boots, Boats & Beer

Location

Wargrave Station, Berkshire

OutdoorLads shares the exact meeting point with people who have signed up, closer to the date. See the OutdoorLads listing for details.

About this event

Please note that the capacity for this event is currently set at 24, but I may look to expand up to 30 as we look to promote this one at Reading Pride for potential new members in the region. If capacity is reached please add yourself to the waitlist and I will revisit after Reading Pride on 5th Sept. Overview: Lace up your boots for a 12.3 mile adventure that showcases some of the best of the mid Berkshire countryside. Starting in the upmarket riverside village of Wargrave, we'll meander through peaceful fields of wheat and sheep, shaded woodland and quiet country paths before dropping downhill and joining the Thames Path for a beautiful stretch alongside the river. As we reach the halfway point, we'll arrive in the historic village of Hurley where we will stop for a lunch break. Refuelled and ready, we'll leave the river and Hurley behind and head back uphill into rolling farmland and extensive woodland. After a couple of miles with the worst of the climbing out of the way, out of the blue we will reach the Dew Drop Inn, a hidden gem tucked away in the woods and the perfect excuse for an afternoon drink (hydration is important, after all!).From the Dew Drop we have the final four-mile stroll back to Wargrave, including one more long but gradual climb, where tired feet, rosy cheeks and plenty of laughs will mark the end of the day packed with riverside views, woodland trails, good company and and iconic pub stop. 🍺🥾🌳The Route:Starting from Wargrave Station, we will initially walk through the old part of the village, past the church and cross the High Street. We will then proceed through Upper Wargrave, with it's more modern housing estates, before getting to the village boundary and open countryside. Initially we walk through fields and then an extensive section through woodland (Bottom Boles Wood), taking the Chilterns Way/Berkshire extension for some of the way. After climbing up into the small hamlet of Warren Row, we then take a long, straight and gradually downhill route down the valley towards the Thames, and after crossing a main road we take a lane to eventually join the Thames Path. We then walk east along the Thames Path for about 1.25 miles until we get to Hurley, where we will stop for lunch. There are benches by the river and also in the village centre. After lunch we will continue to walk North through the village, crossing the main road again, and then it's initially an uphill section back out of the Thames Valley through fields and woodland.When we get to the scenic Ashley Hill forest we will have a pub stop at the iconic Dew Drop Inn, and afterwards will continue through the forest. We continue through sections of fields and woodland until we get to another extensive area of woodland and will take the wide Knowl Hill bridleway along a gradual but long uphill section to the top of Bowsey Hill. From the top we continue through more woodland and at the fringes eventually re-join the route that we took out of Wargrave where we will retrace our steps back to and through the village. The route can be found here:The Sights:Wargrave: is a Thames-side village in Berkshire, nestled where the River Thames meets the River Loddon. Dating back to Saxon times, the village features a several historic buildings centred around its attractive High Street and the 13th-century St Mary's Church, with parts of the church reflecting centuries of architectural development. The village is also home to the Grade II-listed Wargrave War Memorial, designed by the distinguished architect Sir Edwin Lutyens and unveiled in 1922. Hurley: is one of Berkshire's most historic Thames-side villages, with origins dating back to Saxon times. The village is best known for the remains of Hurley Priory, founded in 1086 as a Benedictine monastery, parts of which survive within the present-day St Mary the Virgin Church, Hurley. Adjacent to the priory stands The Olde Bell, established in 1135 as the monastery's guesthouse and widely regarded as one of England's oldest continuously operating inns. The village also has strong links to the Glorious Revolution, with nearby Ladye Place serving as a secret meeting place for those who supported the accession of William III. The Dew Drop Inn: is nestled in the heart of Ashley Hill Forest and often described as a "little pub in the woods". It's a Grade II-listed country pub that has welcomed travellers and locals since the 18th century. Built in the mid-1700s from traditional flint, chalk and red brick, the inn retains many original features, including exposed beams, open fireplaces and its intimate woodland character. Historically, it served as an important stopping place for forestry workers, horse riders and travellers crossing the surrounding countryside. Ashley Hill Forest: is an expanse of ancient woodland, once part of the historic woodlands that covered much of the Chiltern foothills. The forest combines ancient broadleaf woodland with areas of conifer plantation that are now being carefully restored to their natural character, and is popular with walkers, cyclists and horse riders. A notable landmark is its impressive Giant Sequoia, believed to be one of the tallest trees in Berkshire. Dogs: Well-behaved dogs are welcome, there will be a few areas where we are walking along or crossing roads but the majority of the walk is in open countryside where dogs can be let off the lead. Please abide by the Countryside Code (https://tinyurl.com/rlqvp3h) and remember not everyone loves dogs as much as you do so be mindful of other members.Photos: All photos the leader's own (taken in June 2026), with permission given to OutdoorLads for use.