The 'Goring Gap' is the name given to the place where the River Thames passes between the North Wessex Downs (to the south west) and the Chiltern Hills (to the north east). It is a stunning location within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and offers some of the best walking routes anywhere in the country. 

Below is a photograph (click to enlarge)
taken from Lardon Chase, Streatley, on 5th March 2005
It shows the Thames with Goring and the Chiltern Hills beyond

The village of Goring (population approximately 3,000) is sited on the east bank (Oxfordshire) of the Thames while the smaller village of Streatley (population approximately 1,000) is on the west bank (Berkshire). * Figures from Goring Village Plan 2006* The villages are joined by a pair of arched bridges (extreme right of the picture above) with lattice fencing from which tourists and residents enjoy picturesque views of the Swan Inn, weirs and Goring Lock.

The Thames, regulated by the various weirs along its route, offers walks along both banks. The Thames Path, which starts high up in the Cotswolds and ends east of London, brings the walker into the Gap on the Streatley (Berkshire) side and then crosses to the Goring (Oxfordshire) side before continuing to Reading and beyond.

The villages are situated at an important crossing point, where the ancient  Ridgeway and Icknield Way meet at the river. 
The river crossing, once a toll bridge, is a magnet for tourists throughout the year. Many 'Boat People' visit the villages and enjoy the various pubs and restaurants. Details of them all, and much more local information can be found by visiting the Goring-on-Thames web site or the Goring Gap News web site.

Many of the Goring Health Walks use footpaths that climb (and descend) the hills surrounding both villages. Not only are there so many paths giving the walkers an almost never ending choice but the changing seasons also conspire to add to the variety of scenery so we never get bored. 

For those who like to walk and then eat and/or drink, there are a number of circular walks (see routes) that give the opportunity to lunch at a pub or eat a picnic overlooking a stunning view. You may want to come and join one of our led walks to seek out new routes or new friends or you might like to download a Map of one of our regular walks and walk it yourself. Whatever your requirements the Goring Gap can provide the answer.

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