Cookham Dean Walk

Well, I've attempted this walk twice now but still haven't managed to complete it! Nothing to do with the route, but all to do with the time I left and the time the sun goes down! Yes it is a long walk, but as I found out, there are some very useful shortcuts if time is against you - so I have marked them on the map if they are of any use! Actually there are a fair few other routes you can take, especially through some of the woods.

There are a few points you really need to be aware of if you venture out using this map however.

First up, the footpath from the start is actually found through the pub car park and then to the right of the play area in the pub garden. It is obvious once you're there! Don't wander down the field the other side of the pub as it comes to a dead end and you'll feel a bit of an idiot... or at least that's what I did first time around!

When you cross the road into Bradnam wood, alongside the A404, you will see a sign saying something like 'footpath ends in around 500m'. This is technically true, as it reaches the main road (a very fast dual carriageway by the way) and it's not a good idea to try and get across the road here!! However, although I presume you're not supposed to, just as the path drops to the road around 15 metres from it, I walked up to the field edge on the left and carried on taking the small path along the top until it ran out at which point I carried on walking along the inside boundary of the field to join the footpath at the bottom, which swings under the road.

Maidenhead Thicket is a lovely place to wander! I have marked on the route what looks like a triangle at the bottom edge. It should be the location of an ancient Bowl barrow (https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1007945) - always worth a visit! Again, I had to take a short cut as the light was going so I haven't actually found it yet!

There are plenty of trees on this walk. Great for Autumn colours and shade in the summer! Bisham Woods and Maidenhead Thicket in particular are worth a visit in their own right if you're just looking to stretch your legs for a while!
Meant to also say, I have marked a useful convenience shop not far from the end, especially as the final route back to the start does involve a bit of a climb - any excuse for me to eat chocolate.... for the energy you understand! ;)

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