Thames Path

Walk the Thames Path

The Thames Path follows the River Thames for 183 miles from its source near Kemble in Gloucestershire to the Thames Barrier in London. Beginning close to the Cotswolds National Landscape in South West England, the trail follows the river through rural countryside before continuing across South East England and eventually entering London on its way to Woolwich.

From the source, the path follows the young Thames through meadows and open countryside towards Cricklade and Lechlade. Here the river is relatively narrow, passing through a predominantly rural landscape of fields, small settlements and riverside paths before gradually increasing in size on its journey east.

Beyond Lechlade, the Thames continues towards Oxford through a landscape shaped by meadows, locks and riverside communities. Oxford provides one of the principal destinations on the route, with the path continuing along the river through and beyond the city towards Abingdon and the middle Thames.

Across South East England, the trail follows the Thames through a succession of towns and villages including Wallingford, Goring and Henley-on-Thames. Riverside paths, woodland, farmland and historic bridges characterise much of this section, while settlements along the river provide regular opportunities to stop or stay.

Further downstream, the path continues through the Thames Valley towards Marlow, Maidenhead and Windsor. The river becomes broader and increasingly developed, passing parkland, historic estates and riverside communities before continuing towards Hampton Court and Richmond.

From Richmond, the Thames Path enters London. The route follows the river through neighbourhoods, parks and historic waterfronts before reaching central London, where bridges and landmarks line both sides of the Thames.

Beyond Westminster and the centre of the capital, the path continues east through the changing riverside landscapes of the lower Thames. The route passes Greenwich before reaching the Thames Barrier at Woolwich, the eastern end of the National Trail.

Across the complete route, destinations including Lechlade, Oxford, Henley-on-Thames, Windsor, Richmond and London provide useful bases for exploring individual stretches of the river as well as stopping points for walkers following the complete Thames Path.

Overview

Distance: 183 miles / 294 km
Typical duration: 14–20 walking days
Difficulty: Easy-going
Start: Source of the River Thames, near Kemble, Gloucestershire
Finish: Thames Barrier, Woolwich, London
Terrain: Riverside paths, towpaths, grassy meadows, parkland, promenades and quiet lanes
Waymarking: National Trail acorn symbols throughout

WALK THE TRAIL IN SECTIONS

Explore the Thames Path in Sections

Walk shorter sections of the Thames Path, with individual route information, places to explore and places to stay along each part of the trail.

Thames Path Cotswolds Section

Follow the upper Thames for 54 miles from its source near Kemble through the Cotswolds and rural river landscapes to Oxford.

Thames Path South East Section

Follow the Thames for 100 miles from Oxford through the Thames Valley, historic riverside towns and countryside to Richmond.

Thames Path London Section

Follow the Thames for 29 miles from Richmond through central London and Greenwich to the Thames Barrier at Woolwich.