The Thames Path

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.