| Thames Path | |
|---|---|
 The Thames Path sign near the end of the walk, by the Thames Barrier | |
| Length | 185 mi (298 km) |
| Location | Southern England, United Kingdom |
| Designation | UK National Trail |
| Trailheads | Kemble, Gloucestershire and Woolwich |
| Use | Hiking, cycling |
| Elevation change | 110m |
| Highest point | 110m |
| Lowest point | 0m |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Season | All year |
| Sights | London, Hampton Court, Windsor, Oxford, Lechlade, Cricklade |
| Hazards | flooding |
| National Trails |
|---|
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The Thames Path is a National Trail following the River Thames from one of its sources near Kemble in Gloucestershire to the Woolwich foot tunnel, south east London. It is about 185 miles (298 km) long.[1][2] A path was first proposed in 1948 but it only opened in 1996.[3][4]
In theory, the Thames Path's entire length can be walked, and a few parts can be cycled, but certain sections are closed for an indefinite period, including Temple Bridge at Hurley and Marsh Lock in Henley. Some parts of the Thames Path, particularly west of Oxford, are subject to flooding during the winter. The river is tidal downstream from Teddington Lock and the lower parts of these paths may be underwater if there is a particularly high tide, although the Thames Barrier protects London from catastrophic flooding.
The Thames Path uses the river towpath between Inglesham and Putney and available paths elsewhere. Historically, towpath traffic crossed the river using many ferries,[5] but few of these crossings exist now and some diversion from the towpath is necessary.
- ^ "Thames Path". National Trails. Walk Unlimited. Archived from the original on 26 May 2016. Retrieved 18 May 2016.
- ^ "Thames Path National Trail". The Long Distance Walkers Association. Archived from the original on 9 August 2020. Retrieved 12 June 2019.
- ^ "Thames Path". The Ramblers Association. Archived from the original on 31 July 2018. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
- ^ "Thames Path". Transport for London. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
- ^ Thacker, Fred S. (1968) [1920]. The Thames Highway: Volume II Locks and Weirs. David & Charles. Archived from the original on 20 February 2019. Retrieved 12 June 2019 – via Where Thames Smooth Waters Glide.