Thames Path National Trail
The Thames Path, in following one of England's great rivers from source to sea, is unlike our other National Trails, most of which include some hill walking on moorland, downland or heath. In contrast this route provides easy walking and has a somewhat different appeal with its riverside landscapes and great sense of history. Beginning in quiet water meadows the river is tranquil an often secluded on its journey through Cricklade and Lechlade to Oxford. Here the great spires and colleges proclaim a river of growing stature as it flows to England's capital past castles and Royal palaces. But there is still plenty of peaceful countryside and abundant wildlife to be seen between the towns and villages and enticing riverside pubs. There is also the added interest of observing human life on the river in boats of all shapes and sizes.
The Thames Path route is also different from other National Trails in that there is extensive public transport accessibility at many points along the route. This makes it ideal for walking short sections for a day or perhaps a weekend. Many walkers approach the Trail in this way, possibly taking several years to complete the whole in numerous return visits. Apart from the cities of Oxford and London, the route also passes through a number of very pleasant towns, such as Windsor or Henley-on-Thames, where walking part of the National Trail can be combined with an enjoyable exploration of these historic places.
The official guide book describes the walk in twelve day walk sections as follows:
Source to Cricklade - 12.25 miles
Cricklade to Lechlade - 11 miles
Lechlade to Newbridge - 16.75 miles
Newbridge to Oxford - 14 miles
Oxford to Abingdon - 9.75 miles
Abingdon to Wallingford - 13.5 miles
Wallingford to Tilehurst - 14.75 miles
Tilehurst to Henley-on-Thames - 12.25 miles
Henley-on-Thames to Marlow - 8.5 miles
Marlow to Windsor - 14.25 miles
Windsor to Shepperton - 13.25 miles
Shepperton to Hampton Court - 6.25 miles
A further three days would be required to walk from Hampton Court through London to the Thames Barrier, allowing time to explore the city sights.
© Copyright 2000 - 2018 Walking Pages Ltd. and its associates. All rights reserved
