Interest in reviving Wargrave–Shiplake foot & cycle bridge?

A quick question to fellow residents — would there be interest in revisiting the idea of a dedicated pedestrian & cycle crossing between Wargrave and Shiplake, running alongside the existing railway bridge?

Some will remember that this was explored before: in the late 1990s a “Millennium Bridge” concept (with Sustrans involvement) actually received planning permission from SODC, but the project was never taken forward at the time.

Given the current emphasis on active travel, the closure of Marsh Lock footbridge, and the growing need for safe connections between our villages, I’m wondering whether there’s support to ask the relevant authorities to reassess feasibility — potentially with Sustrans, Cycling UK and Network Rail.

Would anyone be interested in this?

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If so, please comment below — even a short “yes, worth exploring” would be helpful so we can gauge community appetite before approaching further.

Posted by: Chris Munro | 06/11/2025 6:22 pm

I ran along the (quite) new sandy footpath from Shiplake College to Memorial Avenue this new year's morning, this is a really useful pedestrian connection, so thanks to those who sorted this out in 2025. Really hoping some progress can be made on the potential Thames bridge project and other pedestrian links around Shiplake in 2026. It would be fantastic to have some better cycling and walking routes, to benefit everyone's health and happiness! 

Posted by: Jonathan Palmer | 01/01/2026 11:09 am

To all those people mentioning cycling connections.  This part of the Thames Path is a footpath, cycling is not allowed, there are signs quite clearly showing that cyclists are not allowed.

Posted by: Elaine Fowler | 31/12/2025 10:58 am

As David said on a previous 2021 thread on here: Wargrave residents may wrongly believe that the fields along the river on the Shiplake bank are available for recreational purposes – they are not. The fields are part of a working farm. One of the fields is used by the Wargrave and Shiplake Regatta every summer but is rented by the farm to the Regatta for just those few days each year. The Thames Path runs through the fields on the Shiplake side and can already be easily accessed from both Sonning and Henley. Parking in the lanes in the vicinity of Shiplake Lock is already a big problem during the summer and a new bridge would exacerbate this with people from out of the area driving to Shiplake to use the bridge, especially if there was a pub at the other end. The train service between Wargrave and Shiplake is a prized local resource, and a bridge would take passengers away, reducing its viability.

Posted by: Elaine Fowler | 31/12/2025 10:49 am

This would be amazing. So sad not to have pedestrian access to Henley at the moment, the more footpath/cycling connections we can make the better. 

Posted by: Jonathan Palmer | 18/12/2025 7:57 pm

I don't know why my response shows as deleted? I fully support this initiative. 
As for the few objections raised, why don't we have a vote on it - let the people speak!

Posted by: Rob Smeaton | 14/12/2025 3:11 pm

We completely support the footbridge to Wargrave. Actually, the fact there isn't a bridge was one of the negatives that put us off setting on moving to Shiplake. But we're very glad we did. 

That means your house price could increase if Shiplake has better connections for walking and cycling.

We also very much support the cycle path to Henley too. The Thames Path shenanigans are frustrating and embarrassing. And I wince when I see people walking along the main road near Tesco. It's an incredibly dangerous stretch of road for pedestrians.

Posted by: Steven Shepherd | 13/12/2025 8:20 am

Shouldn't we be open to supporting the idea that this could increase footfall in local businesses rather than having an immediate NIMBY response. Shiplake says Yes!

Posted by: Ciaran Askin | 12/12/2025 8:22 pm

Absolutely not! Totally object. Would be very interesting to see the percentage of Shiplake residents saying "yes" versus the Wargrave ones.

Posted by: Karen Watkins | 12/12/2025 7:45 pm

Thank you David for your response.

I understand that members Wargrave Parish Council are looking into options for access.

As mentioned previously, I’m not suggesting this as an option instead of improving the Thames Path to Henley, but as well as. Can we take it that assuming a solution could be found to provide cycling and pedestrian access from Shiplake to Henley you would be supportive of the Shiplake -Wargrave crossing?

Posted by: Chris Munro | 12/12/2025 7:35 pm

Before time and energy is expended on this project, the very first thing to do is to identify an entry/exit point on the Wargrave side.

When the original bridge got planning permission in the 1990s, it was on the basis that there was a right of way at the exit point in Wargrave, but this was never accepted by Loddon Drive residents and they pursued the matter for years after the bridge was dropped, eventually winning a high court battle with the Ramblers in 2013.

There is unlikely to be a way around this and community energy may be much better employed focusing on getting Marsh Lock Horsebridge re-opened – that is totally achievable as all it needs is money.

Posted by: David Bartholomew | 12/12/2025 2:44 pm

Just to give an update on the potential Shiplake - Wargrave crossing. I was invited to attend a Parish Council meeting on 10th November and it was decided that the council would contact Network Rail to ask if they would still be in agreement and to arrange some kind of consultation in Shiplake to gauge local support. It is clear for me from the number of responses received so far that there is support for this initiative within Shiplake but it would probably be helpful to get more responses.

The December Parish Council meeting was cancelled so I have no further updates on progress there.

However, I have heard officially from Network Rail that:  "In principle Network Rail have no objections to the potential of a pedestrian footbridge (over Rail bridge) over River Thames between Shiplake and Wargrave on the Henley Branch Line"

I have also heard from a member of Wargrave Parish Council that they may be enthuiastic to revive the scheme and are meeting on Monday. They have asked for reassurance that there would be support from Shiplake.

Posted by: Chris Munro | 12/12/2025 1:26 pm

Absolutely, it would be of huge benefit for both Shiplake and Wargrave communities.

A great asset for walkers, joggers, and cyclists.

Niamh Tobin 

Posted by: Niamh Tobin | 15/11/2025 8:08 am

As far as I can remember , the previous attempt at achieving a crossing was regarded positively by personnel involved with Lottery/ Millenium funding but was very actively opposed  by some of the residents of the the lower part of Mill Lane near the railway crossing and the lock concerned about a huge increase of cyclists . Wheelchair access became a major issue .

I would definitely support this plan. Thank you for bringing the matter up for discussion some 25 years on ! 

Posted by: Wendy Nicholson | 14/11/2025 2:19 pm

A great idea to revive this project. 

Posted by: Nicky Powell | 11/11/2025 8:40 pm

YES YES YES, and as others have said would love to see this continued into Henley.

Keeping pedestrians and cyclists off the Reading Road has to be good thing.

In terms of funding, if residents of Wargrave, Shiplake and Henley all contributed as a community project could we make it work?

Posted by: Karen Errington | 11/11/2025 11:36 am

Yes, we would support every effort for a bridge but it is a major challenge on the funding front.

Tudor and Sally Taylor

Posted by: Tudor Taylor | 10/11/2025 2:47 pm

A strong No!

 1. In addition to the funding problem, are Shiplake residents prepared to accept an increase in the nunber of day trippers, bicycles and cars which may cause inconvenience, accidents, congestion and potential car parking problems, particularly in Mill Lane and Mill Road.

2. There is a possibility of  antisocial  behaviour and an increasein  litter on the Shiplake bank of the river.

3. Why should Shiplake residents be inconvenienced more than Wargrave residents?

4. A ferry service is already provided during the Regatta.

5. Do we really want to further add to the problems caused by present and future housing developments which are already changing the fundamental nature of Shiplake?

Posted by J.Jasinski

Posted by: Janusz Jasinski | 10/11/2025 2:46 pm

Yes, that would be great. Also continue to Henley so that cyclists don't have to brave the Reading Road.

Posted by: Sam Butler | 10/11/2025 12:37 pm

Yes,yes,yes

Posted by: Rob Smeaton | 10/11/2025 8:33 am

Absolutly, this would be great 

Thank you for iniatiting

Figen and Donald Whittick 

Posted by: Figen Whittick | 09/11/2025 5:35 pm

Yes, definately worth looking into

Maggie EDWARDS 

Posted by: Maggie Edwards | 09/11/2025 12:20 pm

I think anything to increase foot/cycle connectivity would be good for both villages. However the priority really needs to be getting  the Thames footpath back.

Posted by: PHILIP BIGGS | 09/11/2025 12:11 pm

My household is very supportive of this. It would be good for walkers and cyclists, would benefit communities both sides of the river and the wider area, opening up green routes. A wonderful thing for public health and the community. 

Posted by: Kate Sandars | 09/11/2025 8:05 am

Yes - great idea.

Posted by: Michael Lines | 09/11/2025 8:02 am

yes, great idea

Posted by: malcolm cooper | 08/11/2025 10:09 am

Thanks for the points raised — genuinely appreciated.

But just to clarify. I’m not suggesting this instead of improving the Thames Path — the bridge idea actually supports it and will ultimately support improving the Shiplake to Henley path. A Shiplake–Wargrave link would connect us not just to Wargrave but to Twyford, Reading and beyond. That means the case for reopening the path to Henley wouldn’t just rely on Shiplake residents — it would create a much larger user base pressing for it, which makes the Henley link far more viable because Shiplake ↔ Wargrave turns it from a one-way cul-de-sac into part of a usable network.

Also, the railway bridge was originally built for two tracks, so this isn’t starting from zero structure. The sensible next step is simply to ask Network Rail and the principal stakeholders what is and isn’t possible today, rather than assume a “no” without checking.

If, after feasibility, it turns out to be unworkable — fine — but it feels worth getting the facts first before we close the door on it.

Posted by: Chris Munro | 07/11/2025 8:38 pm

Will Stevens makes excellent points.

Community energy that could be directed towards getting the Thames Path from Shiplake to Henley re-opened could be wasted on a fruitless Shiplake-Wargrave bridge project. Enthusiasts for such a bridge may wish to consider the following points:

How is Network Rail to be persuaded to withdraw its opposition to any form of cyclepath/footpath alongside the existing railtrack?

Where would the exit at Wargrave be? The land is in private ownership and the owners have previously been opposed to granting access.

How would legally-required disabled access (requiring a ramp at both ends) be accommodated?

And, critically, who would fund such a scheme likely to cost some £2m?

Posted by: David Bartholomew | 07/11/2025 7:41 pm

As a Shiplake resident, I'd fully support this. Any extra walking or cycling options for the area would be great 

Posted by: Ciaran Askin | 07/11/2025 6:23 pm

Absolutely YES. If I remember correctly it was Shiplake residents that did not want it, seemed to think there would be hundreds of cyclists 

Posted by: Hazel Emery | 07/11/2025 6:13 pm

Yyes  absolutely worth exploring 

Ruth and Jerry Luckett 

Posted by: Jerry Luckett | 07/11/2025 6:07 pm

Brilliant idea. This would be a great asset to both villages. 

Posted by: Cathy Johnson | 07/11/2025 4:49 pm

Any form of cycle route from Shiplake to Henley would be amazing!

Posted by: louise webb | 07/11/2025 3:49 pm

Yes.  A pedestrian and cycling path might also encourage both adults and juniors from Shiplake to join Wargrave Boat Club, giving them access to a wide range of boats, facilities, coaching and courses. This improved access would likely boost participation and success in the Wargrave and Shiplake Regatta - a fantastic annual event right on our doorstep.

Posted by: Sandra Greenslade | 07/11/2025 2:22 pm

The Wargrave bridge idea pops up regularly in discussions. The overwhelming view in the past has been that this would be much more attractive to people living in Wargrave than vice versa. The costs will be significant. And would likely distract from a much more valuable idea which is to upgrade the Thames Path to Henley, and mend the walkway to Marsh Lock. Sorry Chris. The bridge is not a priority for us cyclists in Shiplake.

Posted by: will stevens | 07/11/2025 10:21 am

Anything that can keep cyclists away from the danger of the traffic on the A4155 is a great idea 

I hope a way to make it happen can be found,the Bath to Bristol Sustrans route is a great exampe of what could be done 

Posted by: Simon Blackwood | 07/11/2025 8:27 am

Yes, would be a great addition, but don't think local support is the issue as I understand this has been proposed before.  Let's hope this time it will happen.

Posted by: Barry Dyer | 07/11/2025 8:19 am

Great idea- I think it would be a real asset to both communities. 

Myles Johnson

Posted by: Myles Johnson | 07/11/2025 7:17 am

Yes. Absolutely worth exploring. The arguments against were all devoid of any real merit. Bridges link and strengthen communities. 

Posted by: Nicholas Blandy | 06/11/2025 11:58 pm

I have also had numerous direct responses to me via email. All were positive. I will not name the responders to preserve their anonymity but this is what they said:

• YES!
• yes without doubt
• Yes worth exploring - Gillots doesn't have a sixth firm and lots of the students go on to Piggott in wargrave so this would give them more options
• Worth exploring, again! 

Posted by: Chris Munro | 06/11/2025 11:08 pm

Shiplake Neighbourhood Plan "6.5.12. - Cycle Path to Reading - The only feasible option would be alongside The Thames. [etc]"

...is currently correct, but a Shiplake - Wrgrave crossing would give access to the existing cycle route from Wargrave to Reading.

Posted by: Bob Bishop | 06/11/2025 9:37 pm

Yes, I would really like to see this go ahead (and would definitely use it for walking, running and cycling).

It would also be exellent for children attending Wargrave Piggott.

Also agree with Micky and Vicky Denehy who suggested seeing this extended into a cycle/pedestrian path from Shiplake to Henley by the railway line, especially for when there has been a period of heavy rain (or when marsh lock footbridge is permanently closed!!).

Posted by: Alan Buckett | 06/11/2025 8:36 pm

See pages 62 and 63 regarding a cycle path between Shiplake and Henley

Shiplake Neighbourhood Plan

https://www.southandvale.gov.uk/app/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/1663521298-Made-version-Vol-1-NP-08-09-22-final-reduced-1.pdf

Posted by: David Bartholomew | 06/11/2025 8:04 pm

Yes. Would be great to have the link which could then link to Twyford and on to Reading. All along flat cycle paths. 

Posted by: Mike Cawthra | 06/11/2025 8:02 pm

100% and agree with Micky and Vicky to extend Shiplake to Henley

Posted by: Sarah Doyle | 06/11/2025 7:58 pm

The topic of a footbridge over the Thames has been explored many, many times over the last 30 years. It is a divisive matter with problems likely to be insurmountable, including land ownership and disabled access.

You can do a search on this forum and you will see how often it has come up; one example here: https://www.shiplakevillages.com/forum-thread.php?thread=1418

A cycle path between Shiplake and Henley is an entirely different matter and generally has wide support, however the practical problems are even greater – I explored the possible options for the 12 years I was a County Councillor. Please see the Shiplake Neighbourhood Plan for more details.

Posted by: David Bartholomew | 06/11/2025 7:39 pm

The Thames Path is a National Trail, and as such is supposed to be available for cyclists. Currently Sonning to Henley is not cycle-friendly; with a Shiplake - Wargrave crossing a safe(r) cycle route between Sonning and Henley would be possible.

Posted by: Bob Bishop | 06/11/2025 7:37 pm

Would be amazing! 

Posted by: David Burridge | 06/11/2025 7:36 pm

Yes it would be good to explore it. I'm sure it was discussed just a few years ago too. There's one across the river alongside the railway line in Bourne End that is very well used between there and Cookham Moor/Cockmarsh. I think it is just for walkers. 

Posted by: Christine Atkinson | 06/11/2025 7:29 pm

Given riding bicycles along the tow path is not permitted and the path is narrow we are frequently having to step aside to those who do not abide by the law riding a bike so there is no point in the bridge. For those walking dogs bikes are dangerous and they spoil the tranquility of a walk. 

Posted by: Michael Ryan | 06/11/2025 7:22 pm

100% behind this.

We would also love to see this extended into a cycle / pedestrian path from Shiplake to Henley (maybe alongside the railway line?).

Fewer cars on the Reading Road and more exercise for villagers willing to cycle into Henley is a win/win.

Thank you for promoting this

Micky and Vicky Denehy

Posted by: Micky Denehy | 06/11/2025 6:33 pm