The steep chalk grassland swiftly changing into marshy, acid meadows has created an ecosystem of rare and interesting species. It relies on cattle to tread or poach the ground on the pond edges to create the perfect habitat to grow.

Cross straight over and continue for 3 minutes (160 meters) until the track joins Spade Oak Reach. Head up the slope, through the wooden gate and continue straight ahead along the edge of a field, with a fence on your left.

Look out for the Bronze-age burial mounds to either side of the path. There are several public houses, cafes and shops in Cookham.

Please keep your dog on a lead or under close control and use the dog bins provided. Email: [email protected]. About this walk.

Author Kenneth Grahame lived in nearby Cookham Dean as a child and returned to the village in later life, writing 'The Wind in the Willows' in 1908.

Follow this moderate 4 mile circular walk along riverside paths, through lush meadows and over chalk grassland slopes to enjoy panoramic views across the Thames Valley. Follow the path to the left of the Church for about 200 metres, go through a gate and you'll reach the Thames Path.

Part of the site is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). A great place to watch for red kites riding the thermal updrafts, scouring the grassland for prey. Discover the wildlife and wetlands of the Thames valley, whilst enjoying magnificent views of 'The Mount' at Cookham Dean, Cliveden House and Taplow Court.

Cross the bridge and turn immediately right, following the grassy path keeping to the edge of the golf course. Follow the hedge line on your left, making sure to then cross over into the arable field on the left. Straight ahead at the end of the trees is Winter Hill Road, and beyond the National Trust car park at Cookham Dean Common where you started.

The walk begins at Cookham Railway Station (start at section 9 ) or at the car park on the green 200m after the end of the High Street in the village of Cookham, Berkshire, nearest postcode SL6 9SB. Public toilets are located behind the Stanley Spencer Gallery.

Cross Dean Lane when it safe to do so and take the road on the left hand side of the triangle and continue along Alleyns Lane. From the A4094, take the B4447 into the High Street. Staying on the south side of The High Street, continue through the village until you reach the Stanley Spencer Gallery on your right.

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There is one low stile to cross. Route 37 to Cookham runs between Maidenhead and High Wycombe and through the village. Cross the road (B4447) and take the short path up to the Fleet Bridge and onto the causeway. Email: [email protected]. Here turn sharp right and continue on a more-or-less level path for 150 metres. Looking towards Marlow from Quarry Wood, the River Thames can be seen far below. Cookham Dean is easily accessible by bicycle from Maidenhead, Slough, Marlow, Bourne End and High Wycombe.

Enjoying a commanding position on a chalk cliff, the name Cliff-dene was given to the estate in the 1660s when the first house was built by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham. Cookham is also on the Thames Path national trail. Quarry Wood is likely to be the inspiration of the ‘Wild Wood’ in Kenneth Grahame’s ‘Wind in the Willows’ published in 1908. Following the way marker for the bridleway downhill for a further 2 minutes (170 meters) will lead you to a five-way crossroad. Follow the left fork joining up with the Cookham Bridleway Circuit and then pass by Quarry Wood End on the path to its left. We use cookies to provide you with a better service.