Follow the greatest river in England for 184 miles (294 km) from its source in the Cotswolds almost to the sea. Passing through peaceful water meadows, unspoilt rural villages, historic towns and cities, and finally cutting through the heart of London to finish at the Thames Barrier in Greenwich

County: Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshi
Distance: 184 miles
Difficulty of walk: Easy
Estimated time to complete walk: 112
Terrain details: The Thames Path is a gentle Trail, able to be walked by people of all ages and abilities. Details of areas suitable for wheelchairs can be found via the weblink below.
Type of route: Linear
Starts: Kemble, near Cirencester(Grid reference: ST989973)
Ends: Thames Barrier
Amenities available on route: See weblink below for details of accommodation along the trail and how to get a copy of the Thames Path National Trail Companion which provides details of facilities and services.
How to get there: The Thames Path is exceptionally well served by public transport which makes it possible to explore the Trail without needing a car by using trains, buses or, unusually for a National Trail, boats. A free leaflet, 'Public Transport to the Thames Path', is available from the National Trails Office (send your postal address to National Trails Office (details on weblink below) or download the pdf document from the weblink below) which summarises the bus, train and boat services to the Trail outside London. Alternatively, information can be obtained by telephoning the following enquiry lines: National Rail - 08457 484950 National Public Transport Information Service - 0870 6082608 First Great Western Link, which operates trains between London, Reading and Oxford stopping at Tilehurst, Pangbourne, Goring, Cholsey, Culham and Radley, and the branch lines from Maidenhead and Twyford, issues a special ticket for walkers. Buy a return ticket and travel to your furthest destination. Then take a leisurely walk back along the Thames Path to the next station and still use the same return ticket home There are a number of car parks available. See the transport pages on the link below, which have information on parking opportunities near to the Trail.
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