Thames Path

The Thames Path is a National Trail that follows the River Thames from near Kemble in Gloucestershire to the Woolwich foot tunnel in southeast London. It is about 185 miles (298 km) long. The idea for this path was first suggested in 1948, and it opened in 1996.

Walking the entire length of the Thames Path is possible, and some parts can be cycled. Near Oxford, the path can sometimes flood in winter. From Teddington Lock downwards, the river is affected by tides. The Thames Barrier helps protect the city from serious flooding.

The path uses old routes called towpaths along the river between Inglesham and Putney. The Thames Path meets another long walking route, The Ridgeway National Trail, at the Goring Gap. Between Goring-on-Thames and Mongewell, the two trails follow opposite sides of the river.

Description and access to the river

The Thames Path is a long walking route that follows the River Thames. It offers a nice way to enjoy the river and its surroundings. The path begins near where the river starts and goes all the way to the Woolwich foot tunnel in southeast London.

The path uses paths next to the river and sometimes stays close to the water. Other times, it goes away from the river to cross fields or roads. Walkers can see many interesting things, like locks, islands, and old bridges. Some parts of the path are easy to follow, while others need short walks to cross the river. The Thames Path is a favorite for both people living nearby and visitors to explore the beautiful Thames Valley and the historic city of London.

Route

The Thames Path is a long walk from near Kemble to Woolwich in London. It is about 185 miles (298 km) long. The path has several parts.

From the start to Oxford, the path goes through quiet countryside. There are some parts where the path moves away from the river.

From Oxford to Henley-on-Thames, the trail goes through towns such as Abingdon and Reading. Some parts are far from the river because old ferries are gone.

From Henley-on-Thames to Windsor, the path passes Marlow and Maidenhead. There are some parts that go around locks and gardens.

The path stays near the river as it goes to Richmond, except for a few short stretches. The last part of the walk goes past famous places like Kew Gardens and Battersea Park. Sometimes the path switches sides of the river. There is also a longer path past Woolwich that joins other walking routes.

Thames crossings

The Thames Path has many places where it crosses the River Thames. Here is a list of these crossings from Cricklade to Teddington. After Teddington, the path continues on both sides of the river until it reaches the Greenwich foot tunnel, where it then stays only on the south side.

The crossings are listed from upstream to downstream, showing whether the path continues on the northern or southern bank after each crossing:

• Cricklade (S)
• Eysey Footbridge (N)
• Water Eaton House Bridge (S)
• Bloomers Hole Footbridge (N)
• Radcot Bridge (S)
• Rushey Lock (N)
• Shifford Lockcut footbridge (S)
• Newbridge, Oxfordshire (N)
• Pinkhill Lock (S)
• Fiddler's Island (N)
• Osney Bridge (S)
• Abingdon Lock (N) (river flows west here)
• Clifton Hampden Bridge (S)
• Day's Lock (N)
• Benson Lock (S)
• Goring and Streatley Bridge (N)
• Whitchurch Bridge (S)
• Sonning Bridge (N)
• Henley Bridge (S)
• Temple Footbridge (N)
• Bourne End Railway Bridge (S)
• Maidenhead Bridge (N)
• Windsor Bridge (S)
• Victoria Bridge, Datchet (N)
• Albert Bridge, Datchet (S)
• Staines Bridge (N)
• Shepperton to Weybridge Ferry (S)
• Hampton Court Bridge (N)
• Kingston Bridge, London (S)
• Teddington Lock Footbridges