Thames Path

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The Thames Path is a National Trail, opened in 1996, following the length of the River Thames from its source near Kemble in Gloucestershire to the Thames Barrier at Charlton. It is about 184 miles long.

The entire length of the path can be walked, and some parts cycled, using the towpath. It should be noted that some parts, particularly those west of Oxford, are subject to flooding during the winter months. The river is tidal downstream from Kennington lock, and parts of the path may be underwater if there is a particularly high tide. The route can be divided into sections as follows:

Thames Head (source of the river west of Cricklade to Oxford (53.5 miles – 85.6km): a generally rural, agricultural area, where the river is sometimes difficult to follow, particularly until Lechlade (23 miles – 36.8km) is reached.
Oxford to Henley-on-Thames (50.75 miles – 81.2km): passing through Abingdon, Dorchester, Wallingford, Streatley and Reading, Berkshire: the walk leaves the river bank through the towns, and crosses from one bank to another at various places.
Henley to Windsor: (22.5 miles – 36km): through Maidenhead. The path leaves the river on some occasions.
Windsor to Richmond (28 miles – 45km): along the edge of a portion of Windsor Great Park; past Runnymede; through Hampton Court Park, passing Kew Gardens and the Wetlands Centre at Barnes. The path leaves the river to make way for residential areas at times.
Richmond to the Thames Barrier (28 miles – 45km): through London, using parkland (e.g., Battersea Park) to continue beside the river. Through most of the section, the Thames Path is actually two paths, one on either side of the river.
Thames Barrier to Crayford Ness, just beyond Erith (about 16 km), connecting with the London Outer Orbital Path. This is considered an extension of the Thames Path (as recognised by the Ramblers Association) and was opened in 2001, but is not part of the National Trail. It has its own Thames Barge symbol.