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A guidebook to walking the Thames Path, a National Trail covering 182 miles between the Woolwich Foot Tunnel and the river's source in Gloucestershire, passing through Windsor, Oxford and rural countryside. Provides full information for this easy riverside route that takes around two weeks to complete. Includes a 1:25K OS map booklet.
Difficulty
the route is described in 20 sections between 4 and 16 miles in length. Most of the walk can be undertaken close to public transport, mainly in the form of rail. But beyond Oxford the path can begin to feel remote and there is no railway station until the source. Here it is best to book accommodation ahead. This is a flat walk with just one hill (rewarded with a view). There are no stiles but many kissing gates and various path surfaces.
Must See
the famous landmarks seen include St Paul's Cathedral, the Palace of Westminster, Windsor Castle and the dreaming spires of Oxford. In addition there are remote churches and pretty waterside pubs. The scenery is ever changing as the walker passes from the urban to rural and below surprise hills as at Goring Gap or the Wittenham Clumps on the Sinodin Hills.
A guidebook to walking the Thames Path National Trail between Woolwich Foot Tunnel in east London and the river's source in Gloucestershire. Covering 292km (182 miles), this straightforward trail takes around 2 weeks to hike. A level walk alongside riverside paths, it makes an ideal first long-distance trail for beginners.
The route is described from east to west in 20 stages between 6 and 26km (4–16 miles) in length. An optional route extension from Erith in Kent to the traditional start at Woolwich Foot Tunnel is also provided.
GPX files
available to download
Contains
step-by-step description
of the route alongside
1:50,000 OS maps
Includes a separate
map booklet
containing OS 1:25,000 mapping and route line
Handy route summary table
helps you plan your itinerary
Refreshment and accommodation
information given for each route stage
Public transport
by stage is listed for those wanting to break the trail into shorter sections
Table of Contents
The Thames Path
Stage 1
Woolwich Foot Tunnel to Tower Bridge
Stage 2
Tower Bridge to Putney
Stage 3
Putney to Kingston
Stage 4
Kingston to Chertsey
Stage 5
Chertsey to Staines
Stage 6
Staines to Windsor
Stage 7
Windsor to Maidenhead
Stage 8
Maidenhead to Marlow
Stage 9
Marlow to Henley
Stage 10
Henley to Reading
Stage 11
Reading to Pangbourne
Stage 12
Pangbourne to Goring
Stage 13
Goring to Wallingford
Stage 14
Wallingford to Dorchester
Stage 15
Dorchester to Abingdon
Stage 16
Abingdon to Oxford
Stage 17
Oxford to Newbridge
Stage 18
Newbridge to Lechlade
Stage 19
Lechlade to Cricklade
Stage 20
Cricklade to the Source
Appendix A
Optional Prelude: Erith to Woolwich Foot Tunnel
Appendix B
Further reading
July 2024
Shepperton Ferry times
Page 74 The Shepperton Ferry times have changed and the fare has increased.
The ferry runs daily Apr–Sept 9am-5.30pm; Oct–Mar weekends only Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 10am–5pm. Fare: £3.30 (card only).
June 2023
Route updates
On pages 109-111 there is a temporary diversion at Marlow due to Temple Bridge being closed for repair. This diversion may be in place until autumn 2023. Leave Marlow by crossing Marlow Bridge and following the waymarking via Bisham and a tunnel to the riverside just upstream of Temple Bridge.
On page 120 the horse bridge across the weir stream to Marsh Lock and back is closed due to repair work. A signed inland diversion starting in Mill Lane is in place thanks to the landowner. Repair to the bridge is taking much longer than expected.
On page 148 there is a diversion between Wallingford and Benson due the closure of the Benson Lock weir crossing for repair. The signed diversion crosses Wallingford Bridge to go via Crowmarsh Gifford and Benson Lane to Preston Crowmarsh where the village street leads to Benson Waterfront on the left bank. However, there is a ferry operating from Benson Lock Island to Benson Waterfront daily 9am-5pm (£2) allowing walkers to stay on the towpath. Walkers should cross the downstream lock gate and bear left past the lock cottage before phoning the boatyard: 07375 677823. Note that the service has on one day failed to run due to a lack of volunteers, so look out for any warning notice outside the Boat House pub next to Wallingford Bridge. If still uncertain, phone ahead from Wallingford. The towpath walk alongside the Queen’s Arbour and King’s Meadow below the castle is, of course, more attractive than the road diversion.
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By Leigh Hatts
Leigh Hatts has been walking the Thames towpath and exploring the river and Docklands since 1981, when he worked on the feasibility study that resulted in the decision to establish the route as a National Trail. He worked as a reporter with the walkers’ magazine TGO and as arts correspondent of the Catholic Herald. He is co-founder of Bankside Press.
