Thames Path
The Thames Path is a 298 km National Trail following the River Thames from its source in the Cotswolds to the Thames Barrier in east London — the only National Trail that follows a river for its entire length through the heart of England.
About Thames Path
The Thames Path follows Britain's most famous river from a field near Kemble in Gloucestershire (the accepted source) to the Thames Barrier in east London — through Oxford, Henley-on-Thames, Windsor, Kew and the heart of the capital. It is the only National Trail that passes through both deep countryside and a world city.
For trail runners it is a three to four day challenge on excellent, well-maintained riverside paths throughout. The Cotswold upper Thames is peaceful and rural; the Thames valley around Oxford and Henley is classic southern England; London's riverside section is unique among long-distance routes — urban, historic and always interesting.
The route
Source to Oxford (~110 km): Through the Cotswold water meadows, Lechlade, Abingdon. The river widens progressively.
Oxford to Windsor (~80 km): Through Henley-on-Thames (rowing), Cookham, Marlow. Classic Thames valley.
Windsor to Thames Barrier (~108 km): Richmond, Kew Gardens, London bridges, the South Bank, Greenwich and the Barrier.
Getting there & logistics
Start: Kemble (source). Train from London Paddington to Kemble.
Finish: Thames Barrier, east London. DLR to central London.
Best time: Year-round. The Thames path is well-maintained throughout.
Safety
The Thames Path is exceptionally low-hazard. Some sections near the river bank can flood in winter. In an emergency: call 999 or 112. Excellent mobile signal throughout.
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