The Long Wind in the Willows Walk, Maidenhead

Starting in the riverside village of Cookham, this linear walk climbs steadily onto Winter Hill, one of the finest viewpoints above the middle Thames, where the land drops away to a broad sweep of the river valley below. The route pushes on through Water Orbs and into the beech-clad slopes of Quarry Wood, a name that will be familiar to anyone who knows its literary associations with Kenneth Grahame.

From Quarry Wood the path threads through High Wood and into the wider expanse of Bisham Woods, an ancient woodland complex draped across the chalk hills. Expect leaf-strewn tracks, dappled light between tall beeches, and occasional glimpses out towards the Thames as the trail undulates south.

The walk finishes in Bisham, close to the river and within reach of Taylor Island, Pigeonhouse Wood, Inkydown Wood and Hardings Green Common if you fancy extending the day. At 6.2 km with a respectable 277 m of ascent, it is a compact but properly hilly outing, best tackled at an unhurried pace to enjoy the woods and the views.