Thames Path

Great for active first-timers and experienced hikers alike.

Before your tour, we recommend hiking regularly and incorporating some hilly terrain into your routine. Be sure to check the daily distances and elevation changes outlined in your itinerary.

The trail is largely on well-maintained footpaths running alongside the River Thames. At sections expect some forest trails open fields and some minor roads. Although most of the trail follows public rights of way, there are sections where country roads must be used.

With minimal elevation changes, this route is an excellent choice for first-time long-distance hikers.

During periods of prolonged rainfall, expect progress to be slower due to muddy trails.

Covering the complete path in one continuous stretch over a shorter number of days does mean longer daily distances, which is why those itineraries are graded moderate, while itineraries that split the route into shorter days are graded easy to moderate. This route ranges from easy to moderate. Each tour variant has a grade, and within that tour individual days may vary in difficulty - some might be a bit tougher or easier than the overall rating suggests.

Accommodation along the Thames Path varies depending on location. In more rural or remote stretches, options can be limited, so you might stay in simple bed-and-breakfasts, small inns, guesthouses or traditional pubs with rooms. While some of these are more modest, they're full of charm and offer a warm welcome. In larger towns and cities, including central London, you'll stay in comfortable, chain-style hotels. A supplemental charge may apply if you're travelling during a particularly busy period or when a major event is on in London.

Accommodation choices can be limited along the trail, so if we can't secure a booking in a particular spot you may spend two nights in one place, with a transfer included to or from the start or end of that day's walk.

If you'd like to add extra nights along the trail, or at the start or end of your tour, just let us know. This is a great way to build in some rest days or extra time for sightseeing.

Yes, solo travelers are very welcome. There will be a supplement because some costs, like transfers, aren't shared. Or if you'd like to book a single room, just ask. These are available for a supplement.

A hearty breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner aren't included, so you're free to choose from the options along the way. Most accommodations are happy to provide a packed lunch on request, and dinner is available either at your accommodation or at nearby pubs and restaurants.

You can start your Thames Path tour any time between late March and the beginning of October (some itineraries run from mid-April). It's best to avoid walking the opening sections too early in the season, as there's a risk of flooding on paths close to the river. Because accommodation in central London can be limited, we recommend booking well in advance, especially for the longer itineraries.

The South East of England sees changeable weather throughout the year, so waterproofs are essential whenever you travel. Summer months can be hot with little shade along the path, so sunscreen is a must, while the shoulder seasons of March and October bring cooler temperatures, so pack a hat and gloves. Spring, summer and fall are all good times to walk, though spring and fall tend to be quieter than July and August. Keep an eye on weather warnings before setting off each day, and don't attempt a section if a serious weather warning is in place.

Your bags will be collected from your accommodation each day and moved onto your overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg/44lbs per person.

It's vital that you adhere to these limits. Heavier bags, or additional items might not be transferred, and you may be charged locally. Airlines may have different allowances, but our luggage handlers do not have the same capacity or equipment, and their health and safety is our priority.

The Thames Path is relatively well-waymarked and straightforward to follow.

Navigation is straightforward using our app which has maps, tracks and daily route info. Simply download the information and tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone. Once on the trail you do not need signal for the app to work and follow your progress.

Recommended Reading
Although not essential, if you'd like more information on the route, we recommend:
Guidebook: Thames Path Trailblazer

You can fly into any of the London airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, or Stansted) and easily make your way from any of them into central London. For further information on train travel, the National Rail website is a useful resource.

If you choose the Complete tour, you'll begin at Kemble, reached by a direct train from London Paddington Station taking around 1 hour 15 minutes. The tour ends in Greenwich, where there's an overground train station, from which you can reach any of the major London train stations, generally changing at London Bridge and then taking an underground train. The Transport for London journey planner is helpful for planning your onward travel.

If you choose the Oxford to Windsor tour, you'll begin at Oxford, reached by a direct train from London Paddington Station taking around 1 hour. The tour ends in Windsor, from where a train (around 1 hour) takes you into central London, arriving at London Waterloo Station, from which you can make onward journeys to any of the London airports.

You'll need good hiking shoes or boots, comfortable hiking clothes, waterproofs, a daypack, and we recommend hiking poles. A portable charger for your cell phone is essential. On booking, our Tour Info will give you a complete packing list.

On certain days you can shorten the route or skip it entirely by using a taxi or public transport.

The Thames Path can be prone to flooding and diversions, particularly on the western section, during periods of prolonged rain or bad weather. Minor diversions are common in any given year and are usually well sign-posted around the affected section. If a major diversion is in place, the Macs Adventure team will let you know. It's worth checking the official trail website for up-to-date diversion information before you travel.

We highly recommend that you have travel insurance when you book with Macs Adventure. Your policy should cover medical treatment (including repatriation and emergency evacuation by air ambulance or helicopter), injury, death, third-party liability, and trip cancellation