The Thames Path: National Trail from London to the river's source in Gloucestershire

About the Book

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 from London’s Woolwich Foot Tunnel to its rural source in Gloucestershire. A handy summary table allows you to combine or split stages, so you can tailor your Thames Path journey to focus on vibrant cities like London and Oxford, historic towns such as Windsor and Abingdon, or the peaceful riverside villages and countryside in between.
• For confident navigation along the entire Thames Path, whether winding past landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, skirting the meadows of Runnymede, or meandering through Oxford, a separate, pocket-sized booklet contains detailed 1:25,000 Ordnance Survey maps.
• 20 stage-by-stage route descriptions cover the full Thames Path, guiding you from London’s urban heart through Windsor, Henley, and Oxford, to Gloucestershire’s tranquil countryside.
• Clear, step-by-step directions are supported by detailed mapping and downloadable GPX files, making it easy to follow the Thames Path through city neighborhoods, historic market towns, and scenic rural stretches using GPS devices or smartphone apps.
• A handy trek planner and route summary table help you customise your itinerary, walk the entire Thames Path in about three weeks, or enjoy shorter sections at your own pace, focusing on highlights such as the regal streets of Windsor, the literary city of Oxford, or the idyllic Thames Valley villages.
• Refreshment stops, accommodation, and transport options are listed for each stage, with recommendations in key locations such as Windsor, Henley, and Oxford, as well as convenient trail-side facilities throughout the route.

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.

Table of Contents:
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

About the Author :
Leigh Hatts has been walking the Thames towpath and exploring the river and Docklands since 1981, when he worked on the feasibility study that resulted in the decision to establish the route as a National Trail. He worked as a reporter with the walkers' magazine TGO and as arts correspondent of the Catholic Herald. He is co-founder of Bankside Press.