Maidenhead & Windsor

A “missing link” in the Windsor and Maidenhead Royal Borough’s network of riverside paths is being bridged this week with the opening of a new footpath along the Thames under Cookham Bridge.

The long-awaited 18-metre stretch of Windsor and Maidenhead footpath connects the historic Thames towpath to Ferry Lane at Cookham via a wooden boardwalk and a short length of path across the terrace of the Ferry Inn.

The construction of the new footpath will mean that walkers will no longer have to climb steep flights of steps and cross the busy A4094 (Sutton Road) to continue their walk along the riverside towpath.

The new path - which is accessible to wheelchair users and walkers with pushchairs and young children - passes directly under Cookham Bridge.

Its official opening today (Tuesday July 31) marks the end of long campaign by the Royal Borough, the Ramblers Association and other local groups to link up with existing footpath 60 and provide uninterrupted access for walkers along the banks of the river.

Cutting the ribbon to officially open the new footpath on Tuesday will be Cllr John Stretton, chairman of the Windsor and Maidenhead Royal Borough’s rights of way and highway licensing panel. He said: “I am absolutely delighted to be able to officially open this new stretch of footpath. A lot of people have worked long and hard to achieve this result, which will undoubtedly be of huge benefit to local walkers and visitors alike.

“It will now be so much easier for families and people with mobility problems to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of this stretch of the river bank without having to negotiate a busy road and some very steep steps. And with summer finally here I’m sure we will see a lot more people taking advantage of one of the many beautiful parts of our borough.”

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead