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| Thames Path |
The Thames Path National Trail is one of Britain's easiest routes to follow. As with the other National trails, it is split up into various sub-sections, so you can choose how much or how little of it you explore at any one time.
The entire Thames Path National Trail is 184 miles long, and it's estimated that it would take some 14 days to complete were you to walk the whole path in one go.
The Thames Path National Trail is well regarded and popular, with good reason as it offers a journey through historic and engaging scenery following the path of the Thames from its Cotswolds source near Kemble through to the centre of London. The Thames is often referred to as ‘Liquid History’ and the Thames Path National Trail reminds you why along its entire length.
In terms of scenery, there's great variety as river and trail wind their way through tranquil home counties areas to the vibrant metropolis which is the heart of London. On the way, The Thames Path National Trail passes through such places as Oxford, Henley on Thames, Windsor, Westminster before ending at the Thames Barrier in the heart of London itself.
After the rolling countryside of its western end, The Thames Path National Trail offers alternate routes to both the north and the south of the river once in central London. This gives an ideal opportunity to choose which views to favour and which attractions to explore. Whichever route you opt for, there's an abundance of history, architecture, wildlife and spectacle to take in.
For further information, there is a Thames Path National Trail Officer, whose office can be contacted on: +44 (0) 1865 810 224.
Here is more detail on each of the Thames Path National Trail sections:
| Section
|
Description
|
Thames Source |
Where better for the Thames Path National Trail to start than at the source of the Thames itself? Hotels and attractions near Thames Source |
Thames Source - Lechlade |
This first section of the Thames Path National Trail will take you from the rolling countryside of the Cotswolds past limestone
villages and farms to Lechlade. |
Lechlade - Oxford |
After passing by Radcot and the oldest bridge over the Thames, this least habited section of The Thames Path
National Trail takes you through to Oxford and with it comes a change to more open, flatter countryside with wider views. |
Oxford - Wallingford |
There's more variety on offer on this section of the trail, ranging from Iron Age forts through farmland and attractions like Nuneham House and Dorchester Abbey. |
Wallingford - Henley on Thames |
Heading for Henley on Thames, home of the famous Henley Royal Regatta,
The Thames Path National Trail enters more varied and hilly land, albeit gently so, as it approaches the Chilterns at the Goring Gap. |
Henley on Thames - Windsor |
By now the Thames is really getting into its stride and has developed most of it's majesty and size, which is appropriate as on this section the Thames Path National Trail starts to enter Royal country.
Passing through picturesque towns and countryside steeped in royal history and patronage, your approach to Windsor is heralded by fine views of Windsor Castle. |
Windsor - Teddington |
The regal theme continues on this section as the trail starts at Windsor Castle,
heading for Kingston and ultimately Teddington. There's plenty of history as the trail passes Runnymede where King John was compelled to the Magna Carta.
Alternative attractions include such places as Legoland, which is to be found in Windsor itself. |
Teddington - Westminster |
The Thames Path National Trail splits into two here offering the opportunity to follow either the north or south bank of the river. The features and attractions come thick and fast as the trail begins to enter London proper. It's not all urban landscape and striking buildings though, as the trail passes numerous historical villages and parks, not to mention Kew Gardens and more. The annual Oxford / Cambridge boat race takes place on this section. However, as you continue deeper into London you'll pass by world famous suburbs
like Putney, Fulham and Chelsea.
Landmarks in this section include a view of the Battersea Power Station before ending in Westminster at the Houses of Parliament. |
Westminster - Thames Barrier |
Continuing the North South option, this section is the acme of Metropolitan London taking in near innumerable landmarks and attractions as the Thames Path National Trail passes through the heart of London itself. There really is something for everyone in this section with the list of sites reading like a who's who of world landmarks, including Tower Bridge, Whitehall, St. Paul's Cathedral, the financial hub that is the Square Mile (City of London), the Monument, The Tower of London, National Theatre, Globe Theatre, Greenwich and the Millennium Dome. The Thames Path National Trail finally terminates at The Thames Barrier in Woolwich. |
You can continue reading about other National Trails and Long Distance Walks here:
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