European walking route E2 west, UK, South East England

You'll find yourself on quiet paths that often follow the River Thames, where locks and riverside wildlife create that classic English waterway atmosphere. The landscape shifts between ancient woodlands and open farmland, so there's real variety as you walk, with rolling hills providing constantly changing views.

The route passes through several historic villages where you can spot traditional architecture and slip into a welcoming pub whenever you fancy a rest. These settlements have deep roots – centuries of river trade and farming have shaped the landscape and left behind well-maintained paths and period buildings that tell that story. It's the kind of walking that suits a leisurely pace.

Whether you're planning a day hike or tackling this as part of a longer journey, the terrain is gentle enough to feel rewarding without being demanding. Goring-on-Thames sits conveniently nearby and makes an excellent base if you need somewhere to stay, eat, or arrange transport. The village has everything you'd want after a day on the trail, and locals are genuinely friendly about welcoming walkers through.