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 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 is often referred to as "Liquid History" and the National Trail reminds you why along its entire length.
On the way, he Thames Path passes through such places as Oxford, Henley on Thames, Windsor and Westminster before ending at the Thames Barrier in the heart of London itself.
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.
Here is more detail on each of the national trail sections:
Section | Description |
Thames Source | Where better for the Thames Path to start than at the source of the Thames itself? Things to do near Thames Source |
Thames Source - Lechlade | This first section of the 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 inhabited section of the Thames Path takes you through to Oxford and with it comes a change to more open, flatter countryside with wider views. |
 Marlow © Shutterstock / Chrislofotos | |
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 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 its 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. |
 Magna Carta Memorial at Runnymede © Shutterstock / Paul J Martin | |
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 just outside Windsor itself. |
Teddington - Westminster | The path 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. |
 Battersea Power Station © Shutterstock / Claudio Divizia | |
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 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 (now the O2). The National Trail finally terminates at The Thames Barrier in Woolwich. |
You can continue reading about other National Trails and Long Distance Walks using the links at the bottom of the page.
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