The Thames Path National Trail
| Route Overview | Follow the greatest river in England for 184 miles (294 km) from its source in the Cotswolds almost to the sea. Passing through peaceful water meadows, unspoilt rural villages, historic towns and cities, and finally cutting through the heart of London to finish at the Thames Barrier in Greenwich | ||||||
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| Distance - Full | 184 miles / 294.4 km | ||||||
| No. of Days to Complete Route | 14 | ||||||
| Start Point | Kemble, near Cirencester | ||||||
| End Point | Thames Barrier | ||||||
| Start point grid reference | ST989973 | ||||||
| Type of Route: | Linear | Level of walk: | Easy | ||||
| Route Features |
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| Accessibility / Facilities |
Begins near bus route Begins near parking Begins near picnic area Begins near pub Begins near toilets Begins near train station Ends near bus route Ends near parking Ends near picnic area Ends near pub Ends near toilets Ends near train station Picnic area enroute Pub enroute Suitable for Dogs Toilets enroute |
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| Terrain | PROW (Public Right Of Way) | ||||||
| Route Description | The Thames Path is unique, it's the only long distance path to follow a river for most of its length. And, of course, it's the river which gives the Thames Path its character and fashions the countryside through which you will walk. The Thames Path follows England's best known river for 184 miles (294km) as it meanders from its source in the Cotswolds through several rural counties and on into the heart of London. On its way the Trail passes peaceful water meadows rich in wildlife, historic towns and cities and many lovely villages, finishing at the Thames Barrier in Woolwich just a few miles from the sea. This National Trail 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. | ||||||
| Terrain Details | The Thames Path is a gentle Trail, able to be walked by people of all ages and abilities. Details of areas suitable for wheelchairs can be found via the weblink below. | ||||||
| Additional Info / Warnings | The best months to visit are spring through to the end of autumn since during winter the Thames is prone to flooding, particularly upstream of Oxford. For up-to-date information on flooding contact the Environment Agency’s Floodline on 0845 9881188 or visit: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/. | ||||||
| Access Info / Public Transport | The Thames Path is exceptionally well served by public transport which makes it possible to explore the Trail without needing a car by using trains, buses or, unusually for a National Trail, boats. A free leaflet, 'Public Transport to the Thames Path', is available from the National Trails Office (send your postal address to National Trails Office (details on weblink below) or download the pdf document from the weblink below) which summarises the bus, train and boat services to the Trail outside London. Alternatively, information can be obtained by telephoning the following enquiry lines: National Rail - 08457 484950 National Public Transport Information Service - 0870 6082608 First Great Western Link, which operates trains between London, Reading and Oxford stopping at Tilehurst, Pangbourne, Goring, Cholsey, Culham and Radley, and the branch lines from Maidenhead and Twyford, issues a special ticket for walkers. Buy a return ticket and travel to your furthest destination. Then take a leisurely walk back along the Thames Path to the next station and still use the same return ticket home There are a number of car parks available. See the transport pages on the link below, which have information on parking opportunities near to the Trail. | ||||||
| Services / Amenities | See weblink below for details of accommodation along the trail and how to get a copy of the Thames Path National Trail Companion which provides details of facilities and services. | ||||||
| Baggage Transfer Services | Many accommodation providers will collect/deliver you to/from the Thames Path. Please arrange details at time of booking. Many accommodation providers will transport luggage to your next night’s accommodation. Please discuss and agree any fee at time of booking. The following companies arrange walking holidays on the Thames Path (and have links from the website below): Footpath Holidays Ramblers Holidays Contours Walking Holidays HF Holidays Instep Walking Holidays Kari UK Xplore Britain | ||||||
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| TSE Accommodation Search | |||||||
| More info | The Thames Path National Trail | ||||||
