Walking the Thames Path

Thames Path

Highlights
  • Follow the Thames Path from its Cotswolds source into the heart of London
  • Iconic sights such as Windsor Castle, Runnymede & Hampton Court Palace
  • Contrasting landscapes from tranquil meadows to the bustling city
  • Admire London’s skyline from the South Bank including Westminster Palace
  • Walk through the Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

The River Thames is the reason for London being the city it is today, and to walk the Thames River path is an experience not to be missed. Immerse yourself in serene English countryside while passing historic landmarks like Windsor castle on foot. Follow peaceful riverside paths, ending your days in quintessential English pubs. Raise a pint of locally brewed lager to a fantastic day of walking before tucking into a well-earned plate of crispy fish and chips.

With the knowledge that our team have the expertise to choose the perfect itinerary to suit you, you can book your walking vacation along the Thames Path with confidence. Our itineraries are hassle free and include daily bag transfer. All you need to do is pick your route and let us take care of everything else.

We have split the path up into several different sections. You can enjoy the tranquillity of the Cotswolds on the first section, the delights of Windsor or if time allows you can walk the Complete Thames Path. This is a route packed with history, natural beauty and modern wonder and you will enjoy every step of your trip along the Thames Path. 

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Discover Thames Path

  • Why Book your Thames Path Hiking Trip with Macs Adventure?

    Macs Adventure has been organizing self-guided hiking trips on the Thames Path since 2018 and we have been organizing walking holidays in the Cotswolds since 2007. Due to the success and popularity of our tours in the Cotswolds, we decided it was time to offer the fantastic Thames Path to our community; a National Trail joining the Cotswolds with Oxford, Windsor and London City. The Thames Path has proven popular from the outset and it's easy to see why. The Thames is arguably the most iconic river in the UK. It starts out as a mere trickle in the heart of the Cotswolds and following it to London is an immersive journey through the South of England's history, heritage and cuisine. 

    We offer a tried and tested Thames Path experience staying in comfortable B&Bs, guesthouses, and inns attached to traditional English pubs. We carry your bags to lighten your load so you can concentrate on simply putting one foot in front of the other and enjoying all this delightful corner of England has to offer. You can book with confidence that we have it all covered for you. 

    We want to showcase our expertise, by giving you all the resources you will ever need. Our Destination Specialists have their own experiences of walking the Thames Path and are waiting to answer your questions. On the route, we use high-quality digital mapping to make sure you find your way, as well as a host of tips, facts and recommendations to enrich your Thames Path experience.  

    Why Book your Thames Path Hiking Trip with Macs Adventure?
  • Thames Path FAQs

    Q. When is the best time of year to walk the Thames Path?

    A. The Thames path can be enjoyed any time between the end of April and the beginning of October. Any time before April may be affected by early spring flooding which can disrupt some trails. From the start of May until mid-end June, the countryside, especially around the Cotswolds is covered in wildflowers. Spring also tends to be quieter, as well as Fall (September/beginning October). The popular tourist months of July and August be busy on the trails, but on the other hand, the towns can be vibrant and atmospheric.  

    Q. What is 'Cream Tea' and where can I get it?

    A. 'Cream Tea' is a light afternoon meal consisting of a pot of lovingly brewed tea accompanied by freshly backed scones, Cornish clotted cream and jam. The concept originates from Cornwall but is now popular in many parts of England, particularly in the Cotswolds which is covered by our West and Complete Thames Paths itineraries. How far back cream teas date is open to debate, however their popularity is linked to the tourism boom of the Victorian period, when newly built railway infrastructure opened up holiday destinations like Devon, Cornwall and the Cotswolds to those lucky enough to afford such luxuries. Many cafés and pubs along the Thames Path will be serving Cream Tea, particularly on the sections in the countryside. Some places may require advance booking, so it is worth looking into in advance if you want to experience some of the best Cream Teas the area has to offer. Otherwise, just walk up and try your luck! The big question is, which do you put on first, the clotted cream or jam?? 

    Q. Will I need a map and compass?

    A. The Thames Path is a national trail and therefore relatively well signposted. In addition to this, we provide you with high-quality digital mapping and GPS tracks to help you find your way. You may wish to bring your own supplementary map if you are so inclined, but it is definitely not required. This trip is low-level with easy-going flat terrain and signposting, so a compass is not required. 

    Thames Path FAQs
  • Thames Path Facts

    The Thames River

    Perhaps surprisingly, the Thames is not the UK's longest river. That accolade goes to The River Severin which is about 8km longer than the Thames at 354 km. Despite this, the Thames is by far the most famous of the UK's rivers due to its illustrious past. Since pre-historic times, the river has been a vital and very busy highway of boats of all kinds of sizes and shapes, moving products and goods of all varieties. The moving of goods and passengers lead to London's prosperity and the international acclaim that it still enjoys to this day. Nowadays the vessels on the Thames are there for recreational purposes, but the traffic is still considerable with barges, canoes, kayaks and small boats all regularly making their way up and down the river. 

    Oxford

    The town of Oxford is mostly known for its world-renowned university. Founded in 1096, it is the oldest English-language university in the world and the second oldest university in the world after the University of Bologna in Italy. Oxford University is continuously ranked as one of the best universities in the world and its historic campus and buildings are tourist attractions in their own right, being beautifully ornate and steeped in atmosphere and history. Outside of the campus, join Oxonians (the name given to natives of the town) browsing the shelves of Blackwell's Bookshop, a local institution and one of the world's largest bookshops with an incredible 5 km of shelving to explore. The River Thames runs through Oxford, where it is also known by the name Isis, which stems from its ancient Roman name Tamesis. The name Isis is particularly common in the context of university rowing.  

    The Thames Barrier

    The Thames Path finishes at the Thames Barrier in London, near Woolwich. The Barrier is a flood defence system that was completed in 1982 and has been operational ever since. Its purpose is to protect London from rising tides and surges from the North Sea and a potentially devastating flood. It is one of the largest movable flood barriers in the world and is made up of 10 steel gates which stand as high as a 5 story building when raised. There is a small exhibition in the information centre of the barrier for those who would like to learn more about this engineering marvel. 

    Thames Path Facts
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