The Beauty of the Thames – Our Favourite Reaches: Cookham to Marlow

 

The Beauty of the Thames – Our Favourite Reaches: Cookham to Marlow

Where every tack brings a new view

If there’s a stretch of river that makes us fall in love with sailing all over again, it’s the reach from Cookham to Marlow.

Nestled in the heart of the Thames Valley, this section is a glorious blend of countryside calm and riverside grandeur. It offers open water, steady breezes, dramatic backdrops, and just enough boat traffic to keep things interesting — but not terrifying.

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🌿 Countryside on One Side, Mansions on the Other

Sailing upstream from Cookham, the scenery changes with every bend. To starboard, you might spot a riverside lawn that’s been freshly striped by a gardener with a ride-on mower worth more than our boat. But look to port, and it’s wide open land, willow trees dipping into the water, and Cock Marsh stretching away to Winter Hill beyond.

It’s a strange but beautiful contrast:

• One side whispers, “Countryside escape…”

• The other side says, “Don’t scuff the paintwork with your boom!”

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🏠 The Houses You Can’t Afford (But Can Sail Past)

This reach is famed for its eye-watering real estate. Think private jetties, boathouses, sunken gardens, and the occasional riverside pool. We’ve lost count of how many times we’ve looked up mid-tack and thought: "That one’s nice. I’ll take it. Unless it has a thatched roof — too flammable."

Sometimes you get a wave from someone on their patio. Sometimes it’s a Labrador.

Either way, you feel welcome.

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⛵ Why We Love This Reach for Sailing

• Scenic variety – woodland, fields, hills, houses, bridges, and even the odd wedding

• Usually good wind – enough gaps in the trees to keep the sails filled

• Wildlife spotting – swans, geese, red kites, and the occasional narrowboat crew singing ABBA

• Photogenic moments – every race photo looks like it belongs in a Visit Britain brochure

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🧭 Navigational Notes (Especially for First-Timers)

• The river is wide enough for tacking — but don’t cut too close to moored boats

• Keep an eye out for Marlow’s rowing squads — they’re fast, silent, and everywhere

• In high summer, paddleboarders appear like mushrooms — often oblivious to right-of-way rules

• Don’t be lulled by the view — the current can get surprisingly strong in places

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Final Thought

There are faster reaches. Trickier ones. Busier ones.
But for sheer Thames beauty and sailboat serenity, Cookham to Marlow is hard to beat.

You can sail past Cock Marsh one moment, nod at Winter Hill the next, and dream of affording that house with the boat garage and private slipway — all while trimming your jib and dodging ducks.

It’s our kind of perfect.