Thames Pathway

Journal of a Walk Down the River Thames

by Keith Pauling

Bourne End and Cock Marsh

Marina at Bourne End
Marina at Bourne End

After Marlow the pathway leads me under the bypass bridge and out into open countryside again. On the opposite bank the steep wooded banks of Quarry Wood cut across the line of the river, which turns sharply to the left to continue on its way. A broad track opens up and it is very quick easy walking across the meadows towards Bourne End.

Sailing at Bourne End
Sailing at Bourne End

Bourne End takes its name from Burnend, meaning the end of the stream, and it is here that the river Wye joins the Thames. This area is hugely popular with the boating fraternity, and a large marina runs alongside the pathway. More correctly I suppose the pathway really runs through the marina. The area is also home to the Upper Thames Sailing Club which has been here since 1884. There are boats everywhere, and this being a Sunday there are plenty of youngsters out in dinghies as well. There really are an enormous amount of boats here. I sit and watch all the action for a while, and then leave for the quiet of Cock Marsh.

BourneEnd Railway Bridge
BourneEnd Railway Bridge

Cock Marsh is owned by the National Trust and is on the opposite bank, which I reach by crossing over the Bourne End Railway Bridge. The marsh is a lowland reserve supporting redwing, lapwing and wading birds. The reserve covers 130 acres and also includes some bronze-age burial mounds. My path follows the riverside edge of the reserve then moves into open meadowland again as the village of Cookham comes into view.

View Across Cock Marsh
View Across Cock Marsh

The pathway leaves the river and diverts through the delightful village of Cookham. I enter the village through the churchyard and look back on the picturesque Holy Trinity church that is very popular as a wedding venue. As nice as it is this is not the church that I have come into Cookham to see, it is a far smaller and more modest building that is of interest and it is a few hundred yards further on around the corner.

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