Despite a  forecast of showers, we were a group of 17 happy Ramblers, and any rain stayed away all morning.

Our route started at the NT car park at Cookham Moor, through Cookham to Cliveden Reach, along the river to Boulters Lock and Ray Mill Island, where we enjoyed ice-creams & coffees from the cafe.

Along the way we had views of the Cliveden Estate, one-time home to Waldorf and Nancy Astor, and now better known for its more infamous connection with the Profumo Affair. We then walked past Battlemead, previously part of White Place Farm, but now a designated Wildlife and Wetlands Reserve. Further along we viewed the former home of Richard Dimbleby CBE, across the water on Boulters Island, bearing an historic blue plaque, and also passed several elegant riverside properties.  On route we were treated to the sight of a family of geese with a brood of goslings, and also a swan with her cygnets on Ray Mill Island - Aaahh!

Leaving the island we headed into the residential Maidenhead North Town, onto Greenway West, which forms a waterside corridor from Cookham through the centre of Maidenhead to Bray.  Our walk took us alongside farmland, with a view of Cliveden House perched high above the River Thames, past Strand Water, riding stables and back to Cookham Rise and the carpark.  It was a lovely walk, with pleasant company.