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Detailed Itinerary for
Walking Holiday in England on
The Thames Path
Thameshead to London (downstream)
via Cricklade, Oxford, Goring, Henley on Thames, Marlow, Windsor, Richmond,
Kew, Westminster and Greenwich
The Thames Path is 180 miles long and one of UK's National Walking Trails. The walking holiday begins at the source of the River Thames in the Cotswolds at Thames Head, and follows the whole meandering course of the River Thames to the Thames Barrier. The hiking route is a great first walking holiday experience as it is easy walking and offers a wealth of interesting places to visit en-route. The Thames Path walking trail is clearly way-marked to provide reassurance on your walking holiday in Southern England.
13 days walking
14 nights
Total Distance:
180 miles
Min/max daily distance:
11/17 miles
Average Daily distance:
14 miles
Grading:
easy
Features:
Thames Barrier
Tower of London
St Paul's Cathedral
Houses of Parliament
London Eye
London Wetlands Centre
Kew Gardens
Hampton Court
Windsor Castle
Oxford Colleges
This walking holiday is great hiking for visitors to the UK as it offers a taste of England's history mixed with the modern UK of today. This is a gentle walk, full of contrasts, with bustling cities and quiet river banks.
This is a popular walking tour, so we have carefully selected comfortable accommodation to ensure you are well rested each night after a busy day hiking and sightseeing.
London's great river is full of surprises as its path flows gently from its source and the stunning Cotswolds. On the Thames Path tour you walk through some of Southern England's most historic landscapes, full of wildlife and heritage. The highlights of Windsor and Oxford are en-route so why not take rest days to explore the many galleries and museums, and take advantage of the fine selection of shops, restaurants and pubs.
To start your walking holiday on The Thames Path walking trail you make your own way to Kemble. We can assist with coach or train transfers if necessary. Car parking is available for the duration of your self-guided walking holiday. At Kemble there is an outstanding Brunel railway station.
The first day's hiking on The Thames Path follows the River Thames from its source, which is marked with a stone placed there in the 1970s although the spot usually appears dry as the water course is below of surface. Hiking to Lechlade the walking trail passes some fine Cotswold villages. At the village of Ashton Keynes the soon to be mighty Thames appears little more than a large stream in the High Street.
On leaving Cricklade you can see the large airfield at Fairford used by the USAF and was a testing site for Concord. Lechlade is mentioned in the Doomsday Book and marks the highest place on the River Thames navigable by boat. This town was once a very busy river port. The bridge at Lechlade still has its old toll house although now a toll free bridge.
Day 4:
Lechlade to Newbridge. 16 miles 26km
This section of the walking trail is very quiet and a haven for wildlife.
As late as the 1980s, parts of the path were so overgrown they were impassable.
Chimney-on-Thames has one of the largest areas of unimproved meadows in
England and is rich in wildlife. There are many locks and little footbridges
along the trail. Newbridge boasts the second oldest bridge on the Thames
dating back to the 13th century.
The Trout Inn at Godstow, which means Gods Place, has been used in the Inspector Morse ITV series and even President Clinton has visited. Just past Godstow is Port Meadow, a large grassland full of cattle and wildlife, which is claimed to have been ploughed since the 11th century. The Thames Path intersects with Shakespeare's Way and the Oxford Canal in Oxford.
Oxford is a must for any visitor to the UK, with so much history and culture.
On the walk today is Abingdon, one of Britain's oldest towns dating back to 695. It is famous as the former home of MG cars and has many fine buildings and well worth spending some time to explore. Sutton Courtenay dates back to Norman times and has a fine Manor House and the grave of George Orwell in its churchyard.
Today you walk to Wallingford which has a 17th century town hall and fine old English inns. The famous Thames side town of Dorchester-on-Thames dates back to Roman times. The thatched village of Clifton Hampden is picture postcard pretty and boasts The Barley Mow Inn mentioned in Jerome's Three Men in a Boat. The Thames Path connects with the Ridgeway at Goring.
The Thames Path provides a pleasant route through to Reading. At Whitchurch, the walking route takes a short diversion up the only steep climb of the whole Thames Path. Walking on through the towns of Caversham and Purley, the town of Pangbourne is reached by walking through relaxing water meadows. The Thames Path connect with the Kennet and Avon Canal at Reading.
Walking on from Reading you pass Thames-Side Court which has a narrow gauge railway running alongside the river. Henley-on-Thames is famous for its rowing club and fine shops and pubs. Temple Island provides a fine vista. Medmenham Abbey, a former Cistercian abbey dates back to the 13th century and Bisham Abbey is headquarters of the English Football team. Marlow is a riverside gem with a fine bridge, pleasant park and is a great place to explore. The Thames Path intersects with Shakespeare's Way in Marlow.
Walking out of Marlow you walk past Cliveden, the former home of the Astor family. The fine riverside house at Oakley Court has been the location for many a film. Just before you reach Windsor is Eton, home of one of the world's most famous schools.
Windsor is a highlight of this section of the Thames Path. A visit to the castle is a must! Why not take "The Long Walk" in Windsor Great Park!
Walking on from Windsor you reach historic Runnymede, location of the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215. At Chertsey you see the bridge which was built in 1785 and is mentioned in Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist before arriving at Shepperton for the night.
Leaving Shepperton you soon reach Hampton Court, a fine Tudor palace with superb gardens. Below Teddington Lock the River Thames is tidal, this being the last lock on the River Thames. The Thames Path soon passes Eel Pie Island, named after the food served on the island from 16th century. Today the island is famous for its community of artists. Close the Eel Pie Island is the 17th century Ham House with its sumptuous interiors and restored formal garden. Today's walk ends at Richmond, full of old riverside pubs, great places to eat, and also the famous Deer Park.
On the first part of today's walk you pass Kew Gardens, one of the World's most famous gardens and well worth a visit. Walking along the river bank you reach Barnes and the London Wetlands Centre, a wildlife haven in the middle of London. On the South Bank of the Thames you pass the famous Old Battersea Power Station before arriving at London Pimlico for the night.
On your last day the walking trail takes you to some of London's hidden places as well as some of London's most famous landmarks, Westminster Abbey, The Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. You follow the South Bank of the Thames most of the way, and have great views over the river to The Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral and the City, giving insight into London and the River Thames' industrial past and rebirth as a modern exciting capital city. On reaching the Thames Barrier, the official ending (or starting) point of The Thames Path walking trail, you take a short ride on London's Underground Train Service back to your accommodation in Pimlico, or if you prefer, you stay in Greenwich.
Day 15: Depart
after breakfast
or extend your stay and spend some time exploring the London.
We can transfer you to your car or station.
Source to Reading, and Reading to London.
This walking holiday on the Thames Path in the UK can also be walked upstream.
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This walking holiday in the UK operates March to October and in either direction. The above distances are only a suggestion. If you would like to walk longer or shorter distances, we can arrange that too. Our stated distances include mileage to the accommodation or pickup point and so may not agree with the guide book mileages. Rest days can be taken in any location. Why not combine this walk with a hiking tour in another part of England or the UK. Our staff will be happy to advise on necessary transfers. Online booking available. A deposit of £85 per person is required to secure the booking, with the balance due 6 weeks before departure. |
This walking holiday on the Thames Path connects with
The Oxford Canal at Oxford
The Shakespeares Way at Oxford, Marlow and London
The Ridgeway at Goring
and the Kennet & Avon Canal at Reading
What's included
in your UK walking holiday
on The Thames Path
- accommodation at high quality guest houses, inns or small hotels on a bed and breakfast basis
- room with en-suite or private bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities (please note that hotel rooms in the London area tend to be smaller than at other locations)
- daily luggage transfer
- support should there be any problems on route
- detailed maps and itineraries
- Guide to Thames Path
Optional Extras
for your UK Walking Holiday
on The Thames Path
- upgrade to the region's most elegant, prestigious and famous hotels, where available
- transfers back to car or station
- parking facilities
- rest days
- inn to inn walks
| Lunches
and Dinners These are not included. Evening meals: These are available at overnight locations, either at your accommodation or in the town/village. Packed lunches: These can be provided by your accommodation or can be obtained from a local store, or cafe or inn along the route. |
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Travel Insurance We require that you take out holiday insurance as Let's Go Biking Ltd accepts no liability for the following: cancellation, personal accident, illness, loss/theft of personal possessions and/or money, and any unforeseen circumstances, especially travel delays. This is in addition to our existing booking conditions. |
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By Car to Source where parking is available
By Train / Bus to London or Kemble
back to Thames Path home page
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