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From source to sea - following the greatest river in England

Walking the Thames Path

Thames Path National Trail
Neigh Bridge Country Park - Thames Path National Trail
Goring on the Thames Path National Trail
Thames Path National Trail
Thames Path National Trail
London - Thames Path National Trail
Thames Path National Trail
Thames Barrier - Thames Path National Trail

About the Thames Path National Trail

The Thames Path is a long distance walking trail, following England's best known river for 185 miles (294 km) as it meanders from its source in the Cotswolds through several rural counties and on into the heart of London. While walking the Thames Path you will pass peaceful water meadows rich in wildlife, historic towns and cities and many lovely villages, finishing in Woolwich just a few miles from the sea.


From the source of the Thames in Thames Head, near Kemble in the Cotswolds the trail wanders through pastures and small Cotswold villages characterised by creamy stonework buildings with stone slate roofs. As well as miles of rural walking you’ll also pass through towns and cities including Oxford, Reading, Henley-on-Thames, Windsor and of course, London while walking the Thames Path.


There are a number of nature reserves along the trail, all worth exploring. Don’t miss the wildflowers at North Meadow National Nature Reserve near Cricklade, Chimney Meadows near Abingdon for its ancient landscape and wading birds, the carpet of snake's head fritillary at Iffley Meadows near Oxford or the rare Loddon lily at Cholsey Marsh Nature Reserve.


You’ll be in your element when walking the Thames Path if you’re interested in history and architecture – don’t miss the 13th century Church of St John the Baptist at Inglesham, Hampton Court Palace - the home of Henry VIII, Strawberry Hill House, a Gothic Revival villa in Twickenham and Ham House, one of the grandest Stuart houses in England.


Other highlights include the enchanting landscaped gardens at Buscot Park, William Morris's Cotswold retreat, Kelmscott Manor, the site of the sealing of Magna Carta 800 years ago at Runnymede, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew and the iconic parks and bridges of London.

Check out Our Thames Path Merchandise

Walking the Thames Path can be enjoyed in many ways, whether for an afternoon’s stroll, a weekend’s break or a full scale, but relatively gentle, trek of its whole length. It is very well way-marked so following the route is easy. Check out our collection for maps and guidebooks to help you on your way.

How Long Does Walking the Thames Path Take, End to End?  

As a guide, using roughly 15 miles/24 km a day as an average daily walking distance, walking the Thames Path can be completed in 14 days allowing for a couple of days’ rest. However it’s important to walk at the pace that suits you, allowing time for exploring and relaxing, and there is no pressure to do it quickly. The Thames Path is there for you to enjoy, and doesn’t have to be a route march! You don’t have to walk it all in one go of course, you can dip in for half or a full day’s walk or complete one section at a time.  

How Hard is Walking the Thames Path?  

The Thames Path is a gentle Trail, suitable for people with a wide range of abilities. It is mainly flat, with just a few natural slopes. In some places it can be accessed by people with limited mobility such as users of wheelchairs or mobility scooters, parents with pushchairs or those using a walking stick.  

When Walking the Thames Path, Which Direction Should I Go?  

Walking the Thames Path is commonly completed from West to East, starting at the source of the River Thames in the Cotswolds and walking towards London. This is because the prevailing wind is from the southwest so walking in this direction means the wind is behind you.

If you do start at the source of the Thames and head east you’ll initially find yourself meandering through the relatively quiet and remote rural landscape that surrounds the upper reaches of the Thames as far as Oxford. Downstream of Oxford as the river grows wider you’ll increasingly encounter villages, small market towns and larger settlements, with your final destination being one of the world’s greatest and most thriving cities, London. Walking in the other direction, you’ll move from the dynamism and bustle of London into gradually quieter and less busy countryside.

There are guidebooks written in both directions - the Aurum and Trailblazer books are written from west to east and the Cicerone book is written in the opposite direction, starting in London and ending at the source of the River Thames.

Who Can Enjoy Walking the Thames Path National Trail?  

The Thames Path has been developed for walkers and most of the trail is a public footpath which cyclists and horse riders are not permitted to use.

There are some sections of the trail open to cyclists including 5.4 miles (8.7 km) through Oxford and 5.8 miles (9.4 Km) from Weybridge to Hampton Court. Cyclists wanting a long-distance ride should consider the Thames Valley Cycle Route, a 97-mile (155km) route from London to Oxford that in places shares the same route as the Thames Path.  

Can I Bring my Dog While Walking the Thames Path?  

Your dog is welcome on the Thames Path, but please make sure it’s fit enough to do as much walking as you. When on the Trail your dog must always be under close control to prevent it from disturbing livestock or wildlife.

What is the Best Time of Year for Walking the Thames Path?  

The best months for walking the Thames Path are spring through to the end of autumn since during winter the Thames is prone to flooding, particularly upstream of Oxford.

If you’re interested in wildlife there are always a range of birds present on and around the river but they’re at their most active and visible during April and May whilst establishing territories and finding mates. If you’re keen on wildflowers, then April to September is the best time to visit, and if insects such as butterflies, damselflies and dragonflies are the things you’d most like to see, choose June to September.  

Can I Buy Thames Path merchandise?  

We sell a range of Thames Path merchandise including sew on badges, enamel badges, mugs and other merchandise.

Can I get a Thames Path National Trail completion certificate?

Our personalised Thames Path certificate is a great momento for anyone that has completed the trail.

Guidebooks & Maps for the Thames Path

Thames Path in the Country Thames Path in the Country loading
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Thames Path - In London Thames Path - In London loading
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Thames Path A-Z Adventure Atlas Thames Path A-Z Adventure Atlas loading
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Walking the Thames Path - guidebook with map Walking the Thames Path - guidebook with map loading
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Thames Path map booklet Thames Path map booklet loading
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Thames Path: Thames Head to the Thames Barrier - Trailblazer Thames Path: Thames Head to the Thames Barrier - Trailblazer loading
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Thames Path Harvey map Thames Path Harvey map loading
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Oxford Hidden Walks Oxford Hidden Walks loading
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Thames Path Merchandise

Thames Path enamel badge Thames Path enamel badge loading
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Thames Path Completion Certificate Thames Path Completion Certificate loading
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National Trail Mug National Trail Mug loading
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Thames Path Art Print Thames Path Art Print loading
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Personalised National Trail Sign Personalised National Trail Sign loading
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National Trail souvenir signs National Trail souvenir signs loading
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Mini National Trail Fingerpost Mini National Trail Fingerpost loading
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Trail Tealight Holder Trail Tealight Holder loading
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National Trails boot jack National Trails boot jack loading
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'From Sea to Summit' National Trail T-Shirt 'From Sea to Summit' National Trail T-Shirt loading
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Thames Path 'contours' T-Shirt Thames Path 'contours' T-Shirt loading
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Thames Path woven sew-on badge Thames Path woven sew-on badge loading
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'Follow the acorn' National Trail Men's Compass Hoody 'Follow the acorn' National Trail Men's Compass Hoody loading
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Thames Path woven patch badge Thames Path woven patch badge loading
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National Trails 'Follow the acorn' Compass T-Shirt National Trails 'Follow the acorn' Compass T-Shirt loading
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Map of the Thames Path National Trail