About the goring gap
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.
The village of Goring (population approximately 3,000) is sited on the east (Oxfordshire) bank of the Thames while the smaller village of Streatley (population approximately 1,000) is on the west (Berkshire) bank. * Figures from Goring Village Plan 2006* The villages are joined by a pair of arched bridges 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 Visit Goring & Streatley 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.
The village of Goring (population approximately 3,000) is sited on the east (Oxfordshire) bank of the Thames while the smaller village of Streatley (population approximately 1,000) is on the west (Berkshire) bank. * Figures from Goring Village Plan 2006* The villages are joined by a pair of arched bridges 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 Visit Goring & Streatley 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.
Best Kept Village 2009
Goring was voted Oxfordshire Village and Best Village in Southern England for the Year 2009
Click the link for more information.
Even though Goring holds this prestigious title, many of the inhabitants of Streatley contribute greatly to the many active groups, and so they share in this success.
Click the link for more information.
Even though Goring holds this prestigious title, many of the inhabitants of Streatley contribute greatly to the many active groups, and so they share in this success.
Goring gap in bloom 2012 to 2017
The villages of Goring & Streatley achieved Gold in 2013, 2015 and 2017
In 2012 Goring Gap in Bloom won Silver Guilt at the first attempt to win Gold in the RHS Britain in Bloom competition Thames & Chilterns section.
In 2013 they went one further and were awarded Gold. In 2014 another Silver Guilt.
2015 brought another Gold AND winner of the Small Town class
Goring Gap in Bloom did not enter the competition in 2016 but were back in 2017 to win another Gold.
In 2012 Goring Gap in Bloom won Silver Guilt at the first attempt to win Gold in the RHS Britain in Bloom competition Thames & Chilterns section.
In 2013 they went one further and were awarded Gold. In 2014 another Silver Guilt.
2015 brought another Gold AND winner of the Small Town class
Goring Gap in Bloom did not enter the competition in 2016 but were back in 2017 to win another Gold.
