Staying Safe on the Thames Path

Background: this notorious and narrow stretch of path is prone to flooding. The left sided fence has a non-barbed wire (a few inches below the barbed wire) that you can hang onto and shuffle across. The right side is less forgiving. Update 4/12: Considerably under water. We had to turn back a couple of hundred yards before the bad bit!

Car park and surrounding paths under water. Update 4/12: Once again under water.

The field between the disused railway and North Meadow is likely to be flooded. You can avoid this by following the disused railway (cycle route 45) into Cricklade. Update 4/12: Based on conditions at Water Hay this will definitely be under water.

The gate before the underpass beneath the A419 is a few inches under water. Can be negotiated by climbing over the gate. Update 4/12: Under water.

The fields between Cricklade and Castle Eaton are completely under water and impassable. Update 4/12: Widespread flooding

Just downstream from St Johns Lock (past Lechlade) another wooden footbridge with the exotic name of Bloomer's Hole is deemed unsafe and is to be repaired. There is a small diversion using the pre-existing Thames Path Alternative. It briefly follows the road to Kelmscott, past the caravan park on your left, taking a footpath to your right which rejoins the Thames on the left bank just across from the bridge. Update 4/12: Now clear.

The path is blocked by flooding at Shifford Lock footbridge UPDATE 4/12: We tried to approach Shifford Lock from Duxford but were unable to reach it due to large scale flooding in the surrounding fields. This would suggest that the bridge is flooded.

Update 4/12: The Path approaching Newbridge is partially under water.

As you approach Osney Bridge in a downstream direction, the towpath is closed about 150 yards from the bridge. A diversion sign takes you parallel to the river along Abbey Road. When you reach Botley Road, turn right and you will get back to Osney Bridge.

The Path is being repaired towards the end of the section between the two Oxford bridges. The Path should follow the right bank all the way. Diversions are supposed to be in place. If in doubt, cross at Gasworks Bridge (see photo) and complete the route on the left bank.

UPDATE 8/12: Large scale flooding upstream and downstream of Clifton Hampden

The weir, above which the Thames Path crosses the river, was damaged in 2002 and is currently being repaired. A diversion is in place mostly using minor roads through Preston Crowmarsh and Howbery Business Park, crossing the river at Wallingford Bridge. A shuttle ferry service is available from Benson Marina to the lock. However, this is now only operating at weekends between 10am and 4pm and is subject to river conditions. If in doubt, call them on 07375 677823. Update 8/12/24: river is redboarded meaning no boats allowed on the river.

Major flooding throughout this section including Cholsey Meadows. Recommend taking the Ridgeway on the opposite left bank. There's a section at Littlestoke which is underwater but this can be avoided by following the road/path parallel to the Ridgeway. UPDATE 4/12. The Ridgeway alternative is still recommended although Little Stoke is a problem. The path between Wallingford and the bridge over the A329 is flooded in places.

Immediately downstream of the bridge at Goring the Path is closed for about 1/4 mile with a small diversion. This takes you onto the parallel Manor Road and a footpath will take you back to the river

Update 18/12. Aftermath of Storm Bert is still lingering with the Path quite wet just before the Shiplake College Boathouse.

The boardwalk is closed upstream of the lock. The diversion previously in place has been removed. A new diversion has been put in place which includes some road walking but on quiet country lanes. It also involves an additional 1 mile of walking. Do not be tempted to walk down the A4155 which is busy, fast and has no pavement. If you don't want to follow the diversion, the next best alternative is to take the train between Shiplake and Henley which runs every 30 minutes.

The Environment Agency has deemed the bridge to be unsafe and is therefore closed for the foreseeable future. Follow path to Bisham Abbey and then minor roads to Marlow. Note: there are no signposts to the footpath. It's the first public footpath to the right before the (closed) bridge. Then take a left. When we checked this in early June the turning wasn't marked. Another option is to cross the river at Hambledon Lock and follow footpaths through Medmenham and Harleyford. Click on the map to take you to a review of this path.

Damage to a bridge has caused a diversion from just past the Runnymede Hotel to shortly before Staines. The diversion uses the A308 (pavements) returning the walker to the riverbank just before the bridge at Staines. The diversion takes about 0.6 miles of the route with minimal added distance. The diversion is expected to last 6 months from February 2024. Note: the signage for this diversion is not that obvious. Take a faint path to your right just before the M25 bridge. This leads out to the Egham roundabout. Walk to the roundabout and take a left to the underpass. Follow the A308 until you reach Homebase. Turn left down the road which leads you back to the river.

Update 5/11/24: The ferry service has been suspended until March 2025.Follow the Thames Path Alternative by walking up to Church Square in Old Shepperton.

The right bank Path is closed near the Old Deer Park, between Richmond Lock and Kew Gardens because a section of the embankment has collapsed into the river taking the towpath with it! Follow the left bank for this section.

If taking the left bank through Brentford you will find the Path blocked on the left bank of the Grand Union Canal (between the bridge over the River Brent and Brentford Marina). There's no diversion in place. This area is being redeveloped and so disruption should be expected for quite some time. It might be best to avoid the walk along the canal completely and follow Brentord High Street instead.