1: Maidenhead Station. From the station entrance follow the line of trees and cross three roads at the traffic lights, turn left and at the next junction turn right towards the Green Way. Cross road at the traffic lights and continue on the Green Way to road. Turn right and keep ahead at crossroads. Join the main road and continue across Oldfield Rd. At the roundabout just before the bridge carefully cross the maid road to the Thames Path sign. Keep ahead along the road to reach the bridge to Ray Island at Boulter’s Lock where there is the Boathouse gastropub, picnic tables and public amenities.

2: Ray Island. Continue along the road past the lock then take the river path at the Thames Path sign. Just past the weir the Jubilee River diverges from the Thames. The steep slopes of the Clivedon estate are across the river and further on is Spring Cottage, where John Profumo and Christine Keeler held their rendezvous. The path leaves the riverside and after half a mile joins a lane leading into Cookham. Turn right at the main road, soon coming to a road junction. The Stephen Spencer Gallery is on the left.

3: Stanley Spencer Gallery. Keep ahead but soon bear left along alleyway, turn right through the churchyard of Holy Trinity Church and pass Stanley Spencer’s grave. Turn left along the river bank through the water meadows. Cross the river via the railway bridge. For Bourne End Station turn right then left up steps on footpath, but to continue the walk turn left past the marina. At the start of the water meadows, the Spade Oak may be reached by carefully crossing the railway and going along the lane.

4: Spade Oak. Continue through several meadows with the hills above Cock Marsh across the river and further on, Winter Hill. The ‘Marlow Donkey’ railway line between Bourne end and Marlow runs parallel on the right. Pass through a wooded picnic area then under the noisy A404. Follow the Thames Path when it leaves the river to reach a road. Here, leave the Thames Path and turn right then left into Lock Rd. At the end, opposite the Marlow Donkey, turn right to the station.