Buckinghamshire, Gloucestershire, Gtr London, Oxfordshire, Reading, Surrey, Swindon, W Berkshire, Wiltshire, Windsor & Maidenhead, Wokingham
This National Trail, unique insofar as it is the only one mainly following a river, was officially opened in 1996. From the source the Trail meanders through Cricklade, Lechlade, Oxford, Abingdon, Windsor, Reading, Henley, Marlow and Maidenhead, and passing Windsor Castle and the palaces of Hampton Court and Kew, and Richmond. It then traverses central London with options on either bank, to reach the Thames Barrier. Kew Gardens, sites at Westminster, the Tower, and Maritime Greenwich, all close to the route, are World Heritage Sites.

There is extensive public transport availability along the route by way of rail, bus and river boat. The websites below provide tide times and other downloads useful for walkers: a users' guide and camping leaflets. The Aurum 'official' guides were re-issued in 2012 as two new separate guides for the country and London sections. For the sections in London, leaflets can be downloaded from the Walk London link below or ordered online or by phone or post. This weblink also carries updates on diversions, often found along this route, for example at Greenwich with riverside developments ongoing.

The waymarked Thames Path Extension (10 miles), which extends the national trail east from the Thames Barrier to Crayford Ness but does not have National Trail status, follows the south bank downstream from the Thames Barrier to Crayford Ness along east London's working river to link the Thames Path National Trail to the London LOOP at Erith, after which these two routes run together, joining with the Cray Riverway, to the Ness.

The waymarked Thames Down Link (15 miles and on OS mapping) provides a link from Kingston upon Thames to Westhumble on the North Downs Way National Trail. The waymarked Beeches Way (16 miles and on OS mapping) makes a link with the Grand Union Canal at West Drayton. The Green Trail (Richmond) (15 miles) links with the Thames Path at Hammersmith Bridge and Hampton going via Barnes Common, Richmond Park, Ham Common, Bushey Park and Home Park.

The LDWA National Trails Register offers certificates for completers of several British National Trails.

See also E-Routes (E2).

Strider News - August 2019 (Route Diversions)

Temple Footbridge has reopened. The Environment Agency will be programming minor bridge maintenance during this season, however they will work to minimise the impact this has on Thames Path users. The bridge near Marlow near Temple Lock was closed (May 2019) with a signed diversion. See https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/thames-path/news/temple-bridge-has-reopened and https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/thames-path/news/temple-bridge-extended-closure-between-hurley-and-marlow  with maps.

 

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Details:

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Publications, Badges and Certificates:

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Maps:

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Walking Support Providers:

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Accommodation within 5 Km of this Path:

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Connected Paths:

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Downloads:

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Route Profile:

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