Walking the Thames Path

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.