The Assendon Valley

The Assendon Valley is a classic Chilterns dry valley. This route runs down the length of it, past the Stonor deer park and enters Henley along the Fair Mile.

Highlights
A long descent through Pishill and Stonor. Dry valley scenery, home to many red kites. The market town of Henley-on-Thames, famous worldwide for its rowing regatta.

Hazards
Busy traffic in Henley.

Hospitality
Three pubs in the Assendon Valley: The Crown Inn at Pishill, The Rainbow Inn and The Golden Ball (currently more of a restaurant).

Lots of choice in Henley, including the Chocolate Café on Thameside, companion to the Chocolate Café in Goring.

Hints
Henley to Pishill is very popular with cyclists on expensive lightweight bikes, even if not all the riders are lightweight.

The wind tends to funnel along the Assendon Valley, so this is a good route when the wind is from between west and north. At other times a more sheltered alternative would be to follow part of The Barn at Turville Heath route for the section between Cookley Green and Lower Assendon.

If following this route in the opposite direction, stay on Greys Road for all the descent into Henley, then turn left to follow the one-way Duke Street and Bell Street through the town centre.