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, but it wasn't opened until 1996.

Walking the entire length of the Thames Path is possible, and some parts can be cycled, although certain sections are currently closed. Near Oxford, the path can sometimes flood during winter. From Teddington Lock downwards, the river is affected by tides, and during very high tides, parts of the path near London can be underwater. However, the Thames Barrier helps protect the city from serious flooding.

The path uses old routes called towpaths along the river between Inglesham and Putney, and other paths in different areas. In the past, people used many ferries to cross the river along these routes, but now there are fewer ferries, so walkers sometimes need to walk away from the riverbank. 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 provides walkers with a pleasant way to enjoy the river and its surroundings. The path starts near the traditional source of the river and runs all the way to the Woolwich foot tunnel in southeast London.

The path uses existing riverside paths and sometimes follows the river closely, while at other times it diverts away to cross fields or roads. Along the way, walkers can see many interesting sights, including locks, islands, and historic bridges. Some parts of the path are easy to follow, while others require short detours to cross the river. The Thames Path is a popular route for both locals and visitors to explore the beautiful Thames Valley and the historic city of London.

Route

The Thames Path stretches from the river's source near Kemble all the way to Woolwich in London, covering about 185 miles (298 km). The path can be split into several parts. From the source to Oxford, it winds through rural areas with some detours due to missing paths along the river.

From Oxford to Henley-on-Thames, the trail passes towns like Abingdon, Reading, and others, with several turns away from the river because old ferries are no longer there. The section from Henley-on-Thames to Windsor goes through Marlow and Maidenhead, with more detours around locks and gardens.

Continuing to Richmond, the path stays close to the river except for small stretches without public paths. The final stretch into London passes famous spots like Kew Gardens and Battersea Park, sometimes switching sides of the river. An extension beyond Woolwich connects to other walking routes.

Thames crossings

The Thames Path has many places where it crosses the River Thames. Below is a list of these crossing points 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