Hi Everyone,<br>I did a recce yesterday between Marlow and
 Cookham, as Lindsay requested. There is a car park at a playing field on the north bank of 
the river below Marlow Lock, immediately on the west side of the bridge 
where the A404 Marlow Bypass crosses it. There is a tiny inlet where 
entry to the water would be easy. There are several suitable 
destinations, i.e. places with pubs nearby.<br>
First would be Spade Oak Warf (1.87 miles). The Spade Oak pub is a 
quarter mile away across fields and along a little lane. There is a 
public car park as well as the pub&#39;s. This would be easiest for parking.<br>Second
 exit would be at The Bounty (2.34 miles), right on the river&#39;s south 
bank. There is no road access to The Bounty, the nearest being in the 
vicinity of the Upper Thames Sailing Society at Bourne End on the 
opposite bank. We could swim across or there&#39;s a footpath on the railway
 bridge just down the river (about half a mile down, across and up 
again). Parking is limited so we might need to find places in nearby 
streets.<br>
Third exit would be just north of Cookham on the west bank (3.16 miles) 
then walk the footpath across fields to The Pound at Cookham (a third of
 a mile); the nearest pub is The Crown.<br>Fourth exit is at The Ferry pub beside the bridge at Cookham (3.52 miles). Parking may be possible in nearby Odney Road.<br>
Footpaths run beside the river bank virtually the whole way. I can 
probably arrange drivers to ferry swimmers from the end point to the 
start and walkers to follow on the bank in case anyone needs assistance.
 Parking at the weekend is usually crowded, the easiest being at Spade 
Oak, and perhaps that&#39;s far enough. The Bounty would be great though, 
being right on the river and rural. I quite fancy the full distance but 
perhaps that&#39;s a bit too serious. The best date for me would probably be
 Sunday 31st October.<br>
I hope to check out the stretch Aston to Hurley (3 miles) which is 
between Henley and Marlow. I may do that today. Henley to Aston is 
another possibility worth a look.<br>Anyone got any thoughts on these suggestions (including dates)? Is it too far from Reading?<br><font color="#888888">
Nick<br></font>P.S. Good to meet a few RATS last Sunday at Mapledurham.