Terrain and Duration

1. Terrain: Predominantly flat and easy, making it accessible for walkers of all abilities.
2. Typical Duration: Most walkers complete the trail in about two weeks, but it can easily be broken down into shorter sections.

Highlights of the Thames Path

• Thames Head: The official start of the Thames, although the exact location of the source can change depending on rainfall.
• Oxford: Known for its prestigious university, the city offers rich history and beautiful architecture.
• Henley-on-Thames: Famous for its annual Royal Regatta, this town is quintessentially English and deeply tied to rowing.
• Windsor: Home to Windsor Castle, one of the Queen’s official residences.
• Hampton Court Palace: An impressive Tudor Palace formerly home to Henry VIII.
• Central London: The path takes you past iconic sights such as the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, and Tower Bridge.
• Thames Barrier: The striking barrier designed to protect London from flooding marks the end of the trail.

Planning Your Walk

• Accommodation: There are plentiful accommodation options along the route, including hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses. Camping is also possible in some areas.
• Transportation: One of the advantages of the Thames Path is its accessibility via public transport, particularly as you get closer to London.
• Supplies: There are many towns and villages along the river where you can resupply. It’s still a good idea to carry water and snacks.
• Waymarking: The path is well marked, especially through towns and key areas. In rural areas, markings can be less frequent.
• Weather and Clothing: The path is mostly low-lying and can be prone to flooding in places, especially after heavy rain. Waterproof footwear and clothing are advisable.

Tips for Walking the Thames Path

• Start Small: If you’re not up for the entire length, consider starting with one of the more picturesque sections, like from Oxford to Henley.
• Check for Closures: The path can occasionally be closed due to flooding or maintenance. It’s wise to check for any trail closures or diversions before you start each day.
• Respect the Environment: The Thames Path passes through numerous sensitive ecological zones. Stick to the marked path, especially through private land and nature reserves.
• Engage with the History: Many museums, historical sites, and information panels are dotted along the path. Take the time to visit and enrich your journey with the history of the Thames.

Walking the Thames Path is not just about the physical journey but also about connecting with the life of the river. Each stretch offers different experiences, from serene countryside and wildlife to bustling urban landscapes, making it a highly rewarding trail for walkers of all interests and abilities.

Thames Path Map

Thames Path Interactive Map

15 Day Walking – Thames Path

Stage	Starting Point	Finish Point	Distance (miles)	Ascend (feet)
Day 1	Kemble to Cricklade	Cricklade	12
Day 2	Cricklade to Lechlade	Lechlade	11
Day 3	Lechlade to Newbridge	Newbridge	17
Day 4	Newbridge to Oxford	Oxford	14
Day 5	Oxford to Dorchester-on-Thames	Abingdon	18
Day 6	Dorchester-on-Thames to Pangbourne	Wallingford	16
Day 7	Pangbourne to Henley-on-Thames	Tilehurst	16
Day 9	Henley-on-Thames to Maidenhead	Marlow	17
Day 10	Maidenhead to Chertsey	Windsor	19
Day 11	Chertsey to Richmond upon Thames	Shepperton	18
Day 12	Richmond upon Thames to Westminster	Teddington	14
Day 13	Westminster to Thames Barrier	Putney	13

14 Day Walking – Thames Path

Stage	Route	Distance (miles)	Distance (km)
Day 1	Kemble to Cricklade	12	19
Day 2	Cricklade to Lechlade	11	18
Day 3	Lechlade to Newbridge	17	27
Day 4	Newbridge to Oxford	14	23
Day 5	Oxford to Abingdon	10	16
Day 6	Abingdon to Wallingford	13	21
Day 7	Wallingford to Pangbourne	11	18
Day 8	Pangbourne to Sonning	10	16
Day 9	Sonning to Marlow	14	23
Day 10	Marlow to Eton / Windsor	14	23
Day 11	Eton / Windsor to Weybridge	14	23
Day 12	Weybridge to Richmond upon Thames	15	24
Day 13	Richmond upon Thames to Westminster	14	23
Day 14	Westminster to Thames Barrier then bus transfer to Greenwich	13	21

15 Day Walking – Thames Path

Stage	Starting Point	Distance (miles)	Ascend (feet)
Day 1	Kemble to Cricklade	12.3
Day 2	Cricklade to Lechlade	11
Day 3	Lechlade to Newbridge	16.4
Day 4	Newbridge to Oxford	14
Day 5	Oxford to Abingdon	9.9
Day 6	Abingdon to Wallingford	13.5
Day 7	Wallingford to Tilehurst	14.8
Day 8	Tilehurst to Henley-on-Thames	12.3
Day 9	Henley-on-Thames to Marlow	8.7
Day 10	Marlow to Windsor	14.3
Day 11	Windsor to Shepperton	13.7
Day 12	Shepperton to Teddington	10.9
Day 13	Teddington to	11.6
Day 14	Putney to	10.5
Day 15	Tower Bridge to	10

21 Day Walking – Thames Path

Stage	Starting From	Distance(Miles)
Day 1	Kemble to Ashton Keynes- Transfer to your accommodation	7
Day 2	Ashton Keynes to Cricklade	5
Day 3	Cricklade to Lechlade	11
Day 4	Lechlade to Tadpole Bridge	10
Day 5	Tadpole Bridge to Newbridge	8
Day 6	Newbridge to Oxford	14
Day 7	Oxford to Abingdon	10
Day 8	Abingdon to Shillingford	10
Day 9	Shillingford to Goring	10
Day 10	Goring to Reading	11
Day 11	Reading to Henley-on-Thames	9
Day 12	Henley-on-Thames to Marlow	9
Day 13	Marlow to Maidenhead	8
Day 14	Maidenhead to Eton / Windsor	7
Day 15	Eton / Windsor to Staines-Upon-Thames	9
Day 16	Staines-Upon-Thames to East Molesey	12
Day 17	East Molesey to Richmond upon Thames	8
Day 18	Richmond upon Thames to Wandsworth	9
Day 19	Wandsworth to Covent Garden	7
Day 20	Covent Garden to Thames Barrier then bus transfer to Greenwich	11
Day 21	Depart from Greenwich after breakfast

OS Maps Required for Thames Path

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Thames Path Related Books

Related Walking Rambler Pages