The Thames Path
National Trail from London to the river's source in Gloucestershire
The Thames Path
National Trail from London to the river's source in Gloucestershire
A guidebook to walking the Thames Path, a National Trail covering 182 miles between the Woolwich Foot Tunnel and the river's source in Gloucestershire, passing through Windsor, Oxford and rural countryside. Provides full information for this easy riverside route that takes around two weeks to complete. Includes a 1:25K OS map booklet.Discover the tranquil countryside and lively towns along the Thames Path National Trail, a remarkable 292km (182-mile) journey that winds through the heart of London and traces the River Thames from London’s Woolwich Foot Tunnel to its rural source in Gloucestershire. This iconic route invites walkers to immerse themselves in a diverse mix of urban and rural scenery, with plentiful wildlife-spotting opportunities and convenient transport links throughout.
Whether you're a first-time long-distance walker or an experienced hiker seeking a low-elevation, year-round adventure, this comprehensive guidebook divides the Thames Path into 20 manageable daily stages. Along the way, discover historic landmarks such as the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament, Runnymede Meadow (where the Magna Carta was sealed), Windsor Castle, England’s oldest town Abingdon, and the renowned Oxford University.
The route is described from sea to source, following the River Thames upstream. A helpful summary table enables you to combine or split stages, making it simple to tailor your journey to your interests and schedule. For confident navigation, a separate, pocket-sized booklet contains detailed 1:25,000 Ordnance Survey maps.
- 20 stage-by-stage route descriptions covering the full Thames Path trail from London to Gloucestershire
- Clear, step-by-step directions supported by detailed mapping and downloadable GPX files for use with GPS devices and smartphone apps
- Separate map booklet with 1:25,000 OS maps for accurate, on-the-ground navigation
- Handy trek planner and route summary table to help you customize your itinerary—walk the entire Thames Path in about three weeks or enjoy it in shorter sections at your own pace
- Refreshment stops, accommodation, and transport options are listed for each stage, including Windsor, Henley, and Oxford, and trail-side facilities
Plan your Thames Path adventure with confidence and experience one of the UK’s most treasured National Trails with this definitive guidebook and map set.
Author Highlight
As much as 90 per cent of the path is public footpath or bridleway. Walking the trail can easily take three weeks if you want to explore every town and village. Or you could spend years relishing the experience in a series of short weekend sections as public transport is plentiful. And then, having walked one way you may well be tempted to walk back and enjoy the equally splendid views from the other direction.”
- Leigh Hatts, author of The Thames Path
Printed book
A guidebook with detailed route descriptions, stage breakdowns, accommodation listings, profiles and maps - everything you need on the trail.
ISBN
9781786311481
Availability
Published
Published
26 Apr 2023
Reprinted
1 Dec 2025
Edition
Fourth
Pages
224
Size
17.20 x 11.60 x 1.30cm
Weight
380g
eBook
The complete digital edition of the guidebook, with full route descriptions, accommodation listings, profiles and maps, ready to use on any device.
Overview map
Route summary table
Map key
Introduction
Towpath to National Trail
The Path today
Wildlife
Looking after the river
Accommodation and transport
Maps
Safety
Using this guide
The Thames Path
Stage 1 Woolwich Foot Tunnel to Tower Bridge
Stage 2 Tower Bridge to Putney
Stage 3 Putney to Kingston
Stage 4 Kingston to Chertsey
Stage 5 Chertsey to Staines
Stage 6 Staines to Windsor
Stage 7 Windsor to Maidenhead
Stage 8 Maidenhead to Marlow
Stage 9 Marlow to Henley
Stage 10 Henley to Reading
Stage 11 Reading to Pangbourne
Stage 12 Pangbourne to Goring
Stage 13 Goring to Wallingford
Stage 14 Wallingford to Dorchester
Stage 15 Dorchester to Abingdon
Stage 16 Abingdon to Oxford
Stage 17 Oxford to Newbridge
Stage 18 Newbridge to Lechlade
Stage 19 Lechlade to Cricklade
Stage 20 Cricklade to the Source
Appendix A Optional Prelude: Erith to Woolwich Foot Tunnel
Appendix B Further reading
Seasons
the best seasons for walking are Spring and Autumn, although the summer has longer days. The Thames is a living and ever changing green waterway so in winter there can be flooding.
Centres
Greenwich, Central London, Richmond, Runnymede, Henley, Reading, Wallingford, Dorchester-on-Thames, Abingdon, Oxford, Lechlade and Cricklade
Difficulty
the route is described in 20 sections between 4 and 16 miles in length. Most of the walk can be undertaken close to public transport, mainly in the form of rail. But beyond Oxford the path can begin to feel remote and there is no railway station until the source. Here it is best to book accommodation ahead. This is a flat walk with just one hill (rewarded with a view). There are no stiles but many kissing gates and various path surfaces.
Must See
the famous landmarks seen include St Paul's Cathedral, the Palace of Westminster, Windsor Castle and the dreaming spires of Oxford. In addition there are remote churches and pretty waterside pubs. The scenery is ever changing as the walker passes from the urban to rural and below surprise hills as at Goring Gap or the Wittenham Clumps on the Sinodin Hills.
November 2025
Kew towpath
Page 57
See last sentence in Kew Bridge paragraph: The towpath has now reopened following engineering work.
July 2024
Shepperton Ferry times
Page 74 The Shepperton Ferry times have changed and the fare has increased.
The ferry runs daily Apr–Sept 9am-5.30pm; Oct–Mar weekends only Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 10am–5pm. Fare: £3.30 (card only).
June 2023
Route updates
On pages 109-111 there is a temporary diversion at Marlow due to Temple Bridge being closed for repair. This diversion may be in place until autumn 2023. Leave Marlow by crossing Marlow Bridge and following the waymarking via Bisham and a tunnel to the riverside just upstream of Temple Bridge.
On page 120 the horse bridge across the weir stream to Marsh Lock and back is closed due to repair work. A signed inland diversion starting in Mill Lane is in place thanks to the landowner. Repair to the bridge is taking much longer than expected.
On page 148 there is a diversion between Wallingford and Benson due the closure of the Benson Lock weir crossing for repair. The signed diversion crosses Wallingford Bridge to go via Crowmarsh Gifford and Benson Lane to Preston Crowmarsh where the village street leads to Benson Waterfront on the left bank. However, there is a ferry operating from Benson Lock Island to Benson Waterfront daily 9am-5pm (£2) allowing walkers to stay on the towpath. Walkers should cross the downstream lock gate and bear left past the lock cottage before phoning the boatyard: 07375 677823. Note that the service has on one day failed to run due to a lack of volunteers, so look out for any warning notice outside the Boat House pub next to Wallingford Bridge. If still uncertain, phone ahead from Wallingford. The towpath walk alongside the Queen’s Arbour and King’s Meadow below the castle is, of course, more attractive than the road diversion.
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