The Thames Path National Trail

Location: Gloucestershire; Wiltshire; Oxfordshire; Buckinghamshire; Berkshire; Surrey; London

OS Maps: Explorer™ 168, 169, 170, 180, 159, 171, 172, 160, 161

The Thames Path, in following one of England's great rivers from source to sea, is unlike our other National Trails, most of which include some hill walking on moorland, downland or heath. In contrast this route provides easy walking and has a somewhat different appeal with its riverside landscapes and great sense of history. Beginning in quiet water meadows the river is tranquil an often secluded on it's journey through Cricklade and Lechlade to Oxford. Here the great spires and colleges proclaim a river of growing stature as it flows to England's capital past castles and Royal palaces. But there is still plenty of peaceful countryside and abundant wildlife to be seen between the towns and villages and enticing riverside pubs. There is also the added interest of observing human life on the river in boats of all shapes and sizes.

The Thames Path route is also different from other National Trails in that there is extensive public transport accessibility at many points along the route. This makes it ideal for walking short sections for a day or perhaps a weekend. Many walkers approach the Trail in this way, possibly taking several years to complete the whole in numerous return visits. Apart from the cities of Oxford and London, the route also passes through a number of very pleasant towns, such as Windsor or Henley-on-Thames, where walking part of the National Trail can be combined with an enjoyable exploration of these historic places.

Guide Book: [Click for further information or to purchase]

The Thames Path National Trail by David Sharp. This is the official Countryside Agency National Trail Guide, which includes OS mapping at 1:25,000. All the information you need is provided including route finding, facinating background descriptions of the river, landscape and placess visited and practical details. The guide is fully illustrated in colour and incudes details of bus and train access for those wishing to walk part of the route.