MARK Thames Path
The Thames Path is one of the UK's most accessible national trails — a 294 km riverside route from the source of the Thames near Kemble to the Thames Barrier in London. It's flat, well-waymarked, beginner-friendly, and ideal for a gentle long-distance journey through villages, meadows, historic towns, and the capital's landmarks.
The full trail guide — stats, the route day by day, what it really feels like, and the planning detail you need to walk it.
At a Glance
- Best Season: Year-round
- Terrain: Riverside paths, parks, towpaths, urban sections
The Route
🏔️ Route Character
The Thames Path follows the river from its quiet Gloucestershire source to the heart of London — meadow and lock, historic town and riverside estate, cathedral city and capital landmark.
It's flat, easy and walkable all year round — the perfect accessible long-distance journey, with the final day into Westminster and the Thames Barrier a genuine highlight.
🧰 Route Breakdown
- Day 1 — Kemble → Cricklade — The source of the Thames, meadows and quiet countryside — a gentle, scenic start.
- Day 2 — Cricklade → Lechlade — Flat riverside walking, wildlife and historic bridges.
- Day 3 — Lechlade → Oxford — Classic Thames scenery, locks and a finish in Oxford.
- Day 4 — Oxford → Abingdon — Parks, woodland and historic riverside towns.
- Day 5 — Abingdon → Wallingford — Rolling countryside, quiet villages and wide river views.
- Day 6 — Wallingford → Reading — Riverside paths, the Goring Gap and a finish in Reading.
- Day 7 — Reading → Henley — Locks, rowing heritage and scenic riverside estates.
- Day 8 — Henley → Marlow → Maidenhead — Classic Thames towns, wooded banks and easy walking.
- Day 9 — Maidenhead → Windsor → Staines — Historic estates, Windsor Castle and flat towpaths.
- Day 10 — Staines → Richmond — An urban transition, parks and riverfront cafés.
- Day 11 — Richmond → Westminster — Iconic London landmarks, bridges and skyline views — a highlight of the trail.
- Day 12 — Westminster → Thames Barrier — Industrial heritage, riverside regeneration, and a finish at the barrier.
Practical
⚠️ Difficulty & Hazards
- Navigation: Very easy — well-waymarked; still carry a map.
- Terrain: Flat riverside paths and towpaths.
- Fitness: Beginner-friendly daily mileage.
- Weather: Low-level and year-round viable; check Met Office forecasts.
- Accommodation: Frequent — riverside towns throughout.
🌠️ Who This Route Suits
- Beginners
- Families
- Intermediate walkers
- Anyone wanting an accessible, year-round long-distance walk
Not ideal for
- Walkers wanting hill or mountain terrain — this is flat riverside walking
📱 Parking & Logistics
- Getting there: Start near Kemble, served by the Cheltenham–Swindon rail line.
- Finish: The Thames Barrier is on the London DLR.
- Resupply: Riverside towns and villages throughout.
🧰 GPX & Map Notes
On OS Explorer maps 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178 and 179. Very well-waymarked; a GPX helps with stage planning.
⭐ MX Summary: One of the UK's most accessible national trails — flat riverside walking from the source of the Thames to the Thames Barrier, year-round and beginner-friendly.