Backstory Hiking: Henley, Greys Court & Happy Valley

At the recent activities workshop, a fairly large number of people wanted to get into hiking, and Stephen challenged us to do this before the next assembly, I was actually in the process of putting together some hikes anyway so friends, I give you Backstory hiking!

Join us for a 5.3-mile circular walk from Henley-on-Thames, taking in historic lanes, woodland, countryside, Rotherfield Greys, Greys Court and the beautiful Happy Valley.
This is more than just a country walk. Along the route we'll uncover some of the history, people, landscape and wildlife that have shaped this part of the Chilterns.
🌳 THE WALK
We'll start in Henley-on-Thames and head out through the countryside towards Friar Park, before following the old Pack & Prime Lane towards Rotherfield Greys.
From there we'll explore the area around St Nicholas Church and the Maltsters Arms, before heading to Greys Court and Happy Valley and beginning our return to Henley.
The route finishes via 40 Acre Field, bringing us back into Henley.
🏛️ THE BACKSTORY
Along the way we'll stop to explore some fascinating natural and human history and stories behind the landscape. This content will be light and short, it's not a history lecture! Think of this as a much much lower spec version of David Attenborough meets time team but with more laughing, exercise and pubs.
Come along for the walk, the stories, the countryside and the company.
Distance: 5.3 miles / 8.5 km
Type: Circular
Start & finish: Henley-on-Thames
There is no set finish time but the walking should take around 2.5 hours excluding meeting up at the beginning, a break for lunch, and drinks at the end.

Meeting Point – Henley Station
Meet at Henley Station at 11.45 for intro’s before we set off (some people may be coming up on teh train from London)
🥾 WHAT TO BRING/WEAR
Comfortable walking shoes or boots
Layered clothing, Waterproof jacket
Water, at least .5 litre
Packed lunch food/munchies for during before and after the hike, we will stop for a break probably at Greys Court, where there is a coffee shop open 10 - 5
Difficulty 7/10, moderate pace, no major hills or elevation.
☕🍺😎🤪 AFTER THE WALK
We'll finish back in Henley-on-Thames, with the opportunity to stop for a drink and continue the conversation.
(Coppa Club)
Dogs
I have 2 dogs and they will be with me, one is very small, one is a big Puppy and getting bigger. You may bring your own dog on this walk if it is very well socialised and well trained, you may not bring large intact males (15kg +) or anything narky that is going to snap at my dogs. You will need to keep your dog on the lead and let it off if and when I am happy it is working out, (ask first) and keep lead on round livestock and roads.