Burnham Beeches & Cookham

Overview

This is a train-assisted ride, using the Elizabeth Line. We take the train to Slough and return from Maidenhead. Our objective is to see the beech woods of Burnham Beeches in their autumn glory. We will also ride through the pretty Thameside village of Cookham, famous for its connections to the artist Stanley Spencer.

Most of our ride is on quiet country lanes. There are some short sections on busier roads. The central area of Burnham Beeches is traffic-free, on tarmac roads. There are some unsealed tracks in Burnham Beeches and approx. 3km on a stony unsealed track on the Cookham-Maidenhead Greenway towards the end of the ride.

The route climbs gently from Slough up to Burnham Beeches, then we have a short sharp climb in the beech woods. The descent to the river at Bourne End is steep and the road surface is badly damaged.

We will have a brief pause at the Eco Café in Burnham Beeches. Our main refreshment stop will be in Maidenhead at the end of the ride, so you will need enough stamina (and snacks) to keep you going until then.

We expect to reach Maidenhead by approx. 1.30pm for lunch, and so probably approx. 2.45pm at the station afterwards.

Travel Arrangements

Outward

We take the 09.41 Elizabeth Line service from Ealing Broadway to Slough, arriving at 10.01. You may join the train at other stations if you prefer; check timetables carefully, as services on this branch of the Elizabeth Line are less frequent. Oyster is valid as far as West Drayton; Senior Railcard discounts are available.

Return

We will aim for the 15.00 service from Maidenhead, which reaches Ealing at 15.30 and Paddington at 15.41. Oyster is valid from West Drayton; Senior Railcard discounts are available.

Train-assisted ride from Slough to Maidenhead, via Burnham Beeches and Cookham.

Quiet country roads, traffic-free trails, shared paths through parks; some short stretches on busier roads.

Brief stop at Eco Cafe in Burnham Beeches. Lunch stop in Maidenhead at the end of the ride.

Lock for your bike. Money/card for cafe. Travel cards, buy tickets in advance.

We never leave anyone behind