Thames Path walking packages
As an alternative to developing your own itinerary, we have created a series of suggested itineraries. There will be 3 series: easy, medium and hard.
Each series covers the Thames Path from source to the Thames Barrier but broken into sections that are 4-5 days long. The sections can, if you wish, be combined. The prices are exactly what you would be charged if using the route planner.
If you wish to vary any of these itineraries, just contact us. We are a phone call, email or chat away!
Thames Path package - Easy
The easy series has been designed with convenience in mind. The daily distances average at 10 miles. The hotels have been chosen to reflect nearness from route rather than budget. Except for the source and the Thames Barrier, the start and end points have been chosen because of their ease of access: Oxford, Reading and Staines. And, as the walking is relatively short, we have made a special effort to make sure the itinerary leaves you at places of interest: Dorchester, The Leander Club at Henley, Windsor., Hampton Court, Kew, Tower Bridge and Greenwich.
Source to Oxford 5 days/6 nights 54 miles
The itinerary takes in the remotest part of the Thames starting at the source in Gloucestershire. After a brief visit through the Cotswold Water Park, the trail works its way through arable and pasture lands. There are few towns and villages along the way so it’s wise to plan your stops ahead of time. Your overnight stays will be in ancient coaching inns along the route.
There will be many opportunities for bird watching and there are many wild meadows that you will pass through.
Oxford to Reading 4 days/5 nights 43 miles
This itinerary covers the most scenic part of the Thames Path where the river works its way between the Chilterns and the Berkshire Downs. You will have the chance to spend time in Oxford as well as the historic towns of Abingdon, Wallingford and Dorchester on Thames, once the capital of Wessex and with its Abbey still intact. The walk passes some impressive country homes including Hardwick and Mapledurham Houses, both believed by some to be the inspiration for Toad Hall, as well as Basildon Park.
There is an opportunity to take either a 1.5 hour guided wildlife tour following the Thames Path from Goring; or a half-day wildlife excursion combined with a rest day at Goring..
Reading to Staines 4 days/5 nights 40 miles
The Thames between Reading and Staines is both picturesque and famous for the places along the way. The first overnight stop is at the Leander Club in Henley where rowing crews from around the world come every year to battle for honours. The Path passes some of the grandest houses in the south-east including Cliveden, home of the Astor family for so many years. Day 3 overnights in Windsor with enough time to explore this wonderful town, home to the longest serving Royal residence in Europe. And, on the final day, you walk through Runnymede, where Magna Carta was signed.
Staines to Thames Barrier 5 days/6 nights 49 miles
This is the grand finale as the Thames makes its glorious procession through London. The itinerary starts more humbly in Staines, a town with good transport connections. After a relatively rural day’s walk, which involves a ferry crossing, you stay at Hampton Court with an opportunity to visit the Palace. Day 2 is a shorter day taking in Kew with its famous gardens. You will feel London getting closer on Day 3 as you pass Hammersmith, Fulham and Putney, overnighting in fashionable Battersea with stunning views across the river. Day 4 is the walk’s highlight as the river passes London’s iconic buildings: Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, where you will rest. The tour concludes the next day by walking through some of London’s industrial past – the docklands- much of which has now been redeveloped. The walk ends at the Thames Barrier, just past Greenwich. You return to Greenwich for your hotel and the chance for some sightseeing.
