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What to expect

Two Guided Walks

Two Guided Walks

Led by Blue Badge walking guide

River Thames

River Thames

The most iconic waterway in England

The White Hart Hotel

The White Hart Hotel

Traditional 16th century coaching inn

Picturesque Villages

Picturesque Villages

Discover Abingdon, Streatley & Goring

About this trip...

This wonderful fully guided walking break explores the beautiful Oxfordshire and Berkshire stretches of the Thames Path, passing through historic riverside villages. You'll stay in a delightful 16th-century coaching inn, nestled in the charming village of Dorchester-on-Thames — the perfect base for experiencing some of England's finest countryside and its most famous river. A perfect short stay for solo ramblers seeking nature, history, and great company.
Walking Level: Walking Level
What's this?

What's Included

  • Room for sole use
  • Breakfast & evening meal daily with ½ bottle of wine
  • Welcome drink & information meeting
  • 2 guided exclusive walks including transfers
  • Experienced Blue Badge walking guide
  • Accompanying Solos Tour Leader

What's extra:

  • International flights are not included
  • Let us help you book them! Learn more.
  • Private Airport transfers
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips & drinks
  • Meals when not included in the itinerary
  • Activities when not included in the itinerary

Itinerary

  • Arrive & check-in
  • “Abbey to Abbey” Abingdon to Dorchester
  • Streatley to Goring Figure-of-Eight
  • Departure Day

What you'll be doing

Day One: Arrival

Day One: Arrival

After checking in to our hotel, we meet our Tour Leader and fellow Solos guests for the welcome drink and enjoy our first evening meal together.
  • Dinner Included
Day Two: “Abbey to Abbey” - Abingdon to Dorchester

Day Two: “Abbey to Abbey” - Abingdon to Dorchester

After breakfast, we take a short coach ride to historic Abingdon, once Berkshire’s County town. Our walk begins by the former County Hall passing the impressive gateway to its former abbey. We then cross the Thames to join the path beside the river, discovering the Wilts and Berks Canal junction and grade two listed Culham Bridge. Following the river’s old course we soon reach Sutton Courtenay, where we visit the churchyard graves of a former Prime Minister and a famous author. Rejoining the Thames Path, we follow it to Clifton Hampden Bridge for a late lunch at the pub mentioned in Jerome K Jerome’s 'Three Men in a Boat'.
In the afternoon, we return to our hotel through meadows and fields, with the twin bumps of Wittenham Clumps, an Iron Age hillfort ahead. Leaving the Thames Path, we cross meadows to Dorchester, rich in history and Midsomer Murders locations. There’s time to explore the abbey and museum or enjoy the abbey tea rooms before returning to our hotel.
  • Transfer time: 15 mins approx.
  • Distance: 10.4 Miles 
  • Expected duration of walk: 5 hrs
  • Ascent/descent: Minimal 
  • Terrain: Mostly level riverside paths, grassy tracks, compacted earth and some gravel.
  • Breakfast & dinner included
Day Three: Streatley to Goring Figure-of-Eight

Day Three: Streatley to Goring Figure-of-Eight

After a short coach transfer, we begin our half day walk in the delightful riverside village of Streatley, a twin with Goring on the opposite bank. Our route ascends quite steeply to Lardon Chase, where we encounter our first magnificent views across the Thames winding its way through the Ice Age formed Goring Gap. We do a loop through beech woodland and chalk downland. 

We will almost certainly hear, if not see, a variety of wildlife, including magnificent birds of prey such as red kites. Our route drops down to the river, crossing a causeway bridge next to one of the most picturesque Thames Locks, where the Thames Path meets the Ridgeway. 

The second half of the route is a circuit on the Goring side of the river,  following the Thames Path. We can admire the way Brunel built the railway through this area before returning to Goring and exploring the village. There are café and pub options in Goring before re-joining our coach for the short journey back to our hotel. Perhaps before departing for home, we'll have a final wander around delightful Dorchester on Thames. 
  • Transfer time: 20 mins approx
  • Distance: 5.5 Miles 
  • Expected duration of walk: 2hrs 45 mins 
  • Ascent: 135m+
  • Terrain: A mix of chalk and grassy paths, beech woodland tracks and gravel footpaths.
  • Breakfast included

Trip Reviews

fantastic walks

Lovely hotel, fantastic walks - guide was also excellent. Group all lovely.

Walks were expertly led

Smooth administration, good venue and comfortable group size. The walks were expertly led and accurately described.

Guide was knowledgeable

The hotel and food The walking Graham the guide was very knowledgeable

Guide very informative

It was very well organised. The walks were well selected and the tour guide very informative.

Accommodations

The White Hart Inn - Dorchester on Thames

Originally a 16th-century coaching inn, this charming hotel situated in the 'chocolate box' village of Dorchester-on-Thames retains all the character of the old inn with modern amenities, making the hotel a perfect accompaniment to our escorted group walking break.
Facilities include
Facilities include characterful restaurant, traditional bar and bar area with slate floors open fire and ancient beams, wi-fi and free car parking.
Room includes
The comfortable individually designed rooms include en-suite bathroom with bath and shower, hospitality tray, telephone, hairdryer, TV and WiFi.

Dates & Prices

Departure Return Nights Price from Other Info
Jun 25 2027 Jun 27 2027 2
$849
  

Essential Information

Gratuities
There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. In order to give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below. The Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual. We suggest a group collection at the beginning of your holiday to cover drivers, guides, porters and hotel staff (including restaurant, kitchen and reception staff) of approximately £10. 
 
Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of bar staff and housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (the rounding up of the drinks bill and a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, restaurants expect a 10% gratuity (do check that service has not already been added to your bill). For taxis 10% of the metered fare.
Dress Code
The dress code for during the evening is casual.
Flights
Whether you'd like us to arrange your flights or prefer to book your own, we're here to make the process easy. Our team can secure flights from the location that suits you best, or provide all the arrival and departure details you'll need if booking independently.
 
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance before any trip — it safeguards you against unexpected issues like illness, cancellations, or lost luggage. It also protects your health and travel investment, giving you peace of mind to fully enjoy your journey. Click here. to learn more.
WhatsApp Group

Shortly before your holiday, you will be invited to join an optional WhatsApp group to connect with your fellow travellers and your Tour Leader.

What to Wear - Walking Days
It is important that you have the correct footwear. It is essential to wear walking boots that are comfortable and preferably lightweight, with some ankle support and a good grip. If you already have a pair of boots that you are happy walking in (including during hot/wet weather and on hard ground), then bring these along. However, if you are bringing new footwear, do make sure they are well broken in before you arrive. The weather, even in summer, can be unpredictable. We would therefore recommend you travel with clothing suitable for all conditions, and suggest you use the following checklist as a guideline of what to take:
  • Walking boots with good ankle support
  • Waterproofs – jacket and trousers
  • Walking poles – recommended as they provide good support for the knees, particularly on downhill sections of walks and when conditions are wet/slippery
  • Lightweight trousers and shorts with pockets
  • Shirts or t-shirts for walking in
  • Walking socks – several pairs
  • Lightweight fleece or jumper
  • Hat & gloves
  • Daysack/rucksack for walking
  • Umbrella – it can be used also for protection from the sun as well as rain
  • Lightweight drinking bottle to carry water whilst walking
  • Small first aid kit – plasters, insect repellant, etc
  • Good, high factor sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses – the sun’s strength is often multiplied in mountainous areas.
Walking Programme

Guided walks are included as part of this trip. Your dedicated walking guide will brief you in resort on the daily walking programme.

The walking programme is graded by difficulty, and you can expect to walk varying distances with a range of ascents and descents. Some walks may be challenging, with uneven or rough terrain underfoot and sections at higher altitude. Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for full details of each walk.

A good level of physical fitness is required to fully enjoy this trip.

It is important that you consider whether your chosen trip is suitable for your level of fitness, mobility and any medical conditions or additional needs. If you are unsure, please contact our team before booking. We will be happy to discuss the trip requirements and your individual circumstances to help you decide whether the trip is suitable for you.

We are committed to treating all customers fairly and will consider any reasonable adjustments where possible. Please let us know before booking if you have a disability, medical condition or any additional requirements that may affect your trip. This allows us to assess whether we can safely and appropriately accommodate your needs and to ensure you have the best possible trip experience.

Care should be taken at all times, particularly on uneven or wet terrain. If you normally use walking poles, we recommend bringing them with you. Sturdy walking boots or walking shoes are essential.

Please note that the route and content of the walking programme may need to change during the trip, at the discretion of the specialist walking guide or local organiser, if local conditions require.

If you have any concerns during your trip, please speak to your specialist walking guide or Solos Tour Leader.

For further information, please refer to our website Terms and Conditions https://www.solosholidays.com/us/terms-and-conditions/

Location & Transport
From M40 travelling South: No exit junction 7 Exit at Junction 6 and take B4009 via Watlington to Benson, then A4074 to Dorchester on Thames. 
 
From M40 travelling North: Exit at Junction 7 and take A329 via Stadhampton and Warborough to Shillingford, then A4074 to Dorchester on Thames. 
 
From M4 travelling west: Exit at Junction 8/9 and take A404/A4130 via Henley on Thames and Nettlebed to Crowmarsh, then A4074 to Dorchester on Thames.  
 
From M4 travelling east: Exit at Junction 13 and take A34 to Abingdon, then A415 to Dorchester on Thames. Nearest Train Station: Didcot Parkway
Currency UK
£ - Sterling 

Rated as Excellent (4.8/5) by our customers

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Fantastic time

I’ve recently returned from my first Solos trip and had a fantastic time. I can honestly say that I enjoyed every minute, and the memories will last a lifetime.
-Patricia

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Highly Recommended

I’d highly recommend Solos to people looking to travel on their own with a group of like minded people.
-David

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Brilliant Week!

We laughed until our bellies ached. It was such a brilliant week.
-Janev

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Go for it!

I still get a bit nervous but this will be my third time with Solos and its one of the best decisions I have ever made- everyone is so friendly, just go for it!!
-Jane

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