Streatley and Goring lie on opposite banks of the Thames; the river also flows through the Chilterns National Landscape. Together, the river and hilly landscape define the area. Specific walking options include a walk of about half a mile along the river and a three-mile circular route. The area also has historical points of interest and distinctive landscape features nearby.

Walks Between the River and Meadows

From the Streatley side, the Thames Path is signposted behind The Swan. A walk of about half a mile follows the river between Goring Lock and Cleeve Lock, passing weirs and islands. Check river conditions and local access before setting out.

The Woodland Walk Streatley is a three-mile circular route through the meadows and woodlands that form the village’s backdrop. Compared with the roughly half-mile stretch between the locks, this is a considerably longer route; its circular layout and the change between meadow and woodland provide additional points of reference. A steep footpath leads south from Reading Road to the Holies, also known as Green Hill. As path conditions can change, it is advisable to check for updates before setting out.

Landscape and Long-Distance Trails

Holies Down is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Lardon Chase is an excellent viewpoint overlooking the Goring Gap.

The Ridgeway National Trail runs from Overton Hill near Avebury to Streatley. From there, footpaths and sections of the old Icknield Way continue through the Chiltern Hills to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire. The Ridgeway therefore ends in Streatley; the following paths and route sections are the continuation through the Chiltern Hills, not part of the Ridgeway National Trail.

Church and Local History

The Church of St Mary has a 15th-century tower. The rest of the building was rebuilt in 1865 by Charles Buckeridge in the Gothic Revival style. The church contains brasses dated 1440, 1570, 1583 and 1603. The tower, the rebuilding and the four dated brasses point to different periods in the history of the building and the area.

A Roman milestone still stands at Bull crossroads. The High Street also has a historical connection to the Thames: it forms part of an old route across the river, which there marked the boundary between Wessex and Mercia. Streatley thus brings together a visible Roman landmark and the river’s former role as a boundary.

Summer Regatta and Christmas

The Goring & Streatley Regatta takes place every summer in the open fields beyond Cleeve Lock. It is organised by Goring Gap Boat Club, and 600 rowers take part in the races. Check the exact event dates before planning your stay around it.

On Christmas Eve in Streatley, a torchlit procession of villagers and visitors joins another procession from Goring. Together, the procession continues into Streatley Meadows. This annual tradition gives the evening a strong local character; check the arrangements before taking part.

Cycling on Streatley Hill

For more experienced cyclists, Streatley Hill is a 1 km climb up a 130 m escarpment, with a gradient of 16%. The figures for length, height and gradient give a clear picture of the route profile. Check road conditions and your own suitability before riding.

Discover more destinations: Lambourn, East Ilsley, Easton, Compton, Chieveley, Pangbourne, Bradfield, Wokingham.

For the broader travel guide: Berkshire.