Staying Safe on the Thames Path

A short stretch of Path is flooded. The Path is bordered on both sides by barbed wire fences so no escape. The only other option is to follow the road from Ewen to Somerford Keynes and rejoin the Path at Upper Mill Farm

We have had reports that water is nearly knee high as you approach Waterhay

The field between the disused railway and North Meadow is certain to be flooded. You can avoid this by following the disused railway (cycle route 45) into Cricklade

The underpass beneath the A419 is completely underwater with no way around other than walking along the road to Castle Eaton - which unfortunately requires walking on the A419 first

The fields between Cricklade and Castle Eaton are flooded. The Cricklade end seems ok so it may be possible to walk as far as Water Eaton House and then follow the road to Castle Eaton

A car has driven into the ramparts of Halfpenny Bridge rendering the bridge closed to traffic. There is presently a short diversion as they repair the bridge. The path going under the bridge is closed. It means walking down the road (southwards) for about 200 yards, entering the field to your left, and walking back up towards the river. The diversion is scheduled to last until September 8.

High river flows with tree debris have damaged the weir at Benson. Diversion in place through Crowmarsh Gifford. This diversion is likely to be in place throughout 2023 and possibly longer! A ferry service is operating from Benson Marina which takes you to Benson Lock - a little downstream but on the opposite side of the river, thus avoiding Benson Weir and the diversion. The cost is £2 one way. Dogs go free! It operates from 9am to 5pm. The service was initially a bit patchy but a new boat has since been commissioned. If walking upstream would suggest calling ahead to see that it's operating otherwise you'll get to Benson Lock and then have to walk back again. 07375 677823 Photo shows suggested diversion from Oxfordshire Council.

The Path is flooded in various places as you leave Goring walking downstream. This can be avoided by following the lane that runs parallel to the river.

The boardwalk is closed upstream of the lock. There is a diversion in place. If walking downstream the diversion is to your left about 50 yards before reaching the boardwalk. The diversion follows a path parallel to the river as far as Mill Lane where you can rejoin the riverside path. If walking upstream, you can follow the boardwalk as far as the lock but no further i.e. you will need to Mill Lane. Walk up Mill Lane for about 100 yards and look for the path to your left opposite the car park

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.