Alerts
Staying Safe on the Thames Path
Thames Path Route Alerts
This is a list of problems along the Path that we are aware of. The distances show miles from source – in case you are not sure of where these places are. As we are now in the summer and the flood spots are all gone much of the list is now clear but, rather than deleting the entry and having to recreate them in the autumn, we’ve decided to leave them here with updates. This may also help with those planning walks in the future.
Photos not necessarily current: intended to show where the trouble spot is.
If you know of any other problems, or have information to share about the below content, please send us a message using the contact button at the foot of this page.
UPDATE 29/9/24 Following heavy rains on 23/9 (a month’s rainfall in a day!) much of the Path has been impacted.
- Ewen 2.5 miles
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 3/10: This stretch is impassable.
- Water Hay 8 miles
Car park and surrounding paths under water
- Field before North Meadow, Cricklade 11 miles
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:28/10. Field is impassable
- Cricklade 12 miles
The gate before the underpass beneath the A419 is a few inches under water. Can be negotiated by climbing over the gate. Update 28/10: Impassable.
- Cricklade to Castle Eaton: 14-16 miles
The fields between Cricklade and Castle Eaton are completely under water and impassable. Updated 28/10
- Hannington Bridge 19 miles
The path between Blackford Farm and Hannington Bridge is seriously underwater. You might try diverting via Sycamore Tree Farm. Last updated 29/9. As of 28/10: this stretch is probably worth a try.
- Inglesham 21 miles
Path under water between Hannington Bridge and Upper Inglesham. Update 7/10: Now clear
- St John's Lock 24 miles
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.
- Shifford Lock 37 miles
The path is blocked by flooding at Shifford Lock footbridge UPDATE 4/10: Large scale flooding in the fields around Shifford Lock. Update 28/10: Waters have retreated quite a bit so it's possible (not certain) that you can get through. It's worth a try.
- Newbridge 39 miles
The Path approaching Newbridge is completely under water. Photo current as of 29/9. Update 3/10: Just about passable.
- Osney Bridge 53 miles
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.
- Between Osney Bridge and Folly Bridge 53-54 miles
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.
- Sandford to Abingdon 57-63 miles
Update 21/10: Very muddy and slippery with some puddles but all passable with care.
- Culham Bridge 64 miles
The small footbridge halfway between Abingdon and Culham Lock is closed due to failed timber decking. There is a minor diversion in place which takes you across Old Culham Bridge. Update 28/10: all clear.
- Clifton Hampden 68 miles
UPDATE 21/10: Now just very muddy especially on the downstream side of the bridge.
- Benson weir 74 miles
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 into 2025. 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. 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 UPDATE 26/9/24 Following heavy rains, the river is "red-boarded" meaning no boats allowed on the river. The diversion should be dry! UPDATE 28/10/24: River is still red-boarded. Photo shows suggested diversion from Oxfordshire Council.
- Wallingford to Goring 76-82 miles
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 21/10. Ferry Lane Cholsey to Cholsey Meadows still lots of water.
- Shiplake 100 miles
We would imagine that the Path between Sonning and Shiplake is heavily under water. There is no alternative as the nearby road is unsuitable for walking on as it has no pavement.
- Marsh Lock boardwalk closed near Henley 102 miles
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.
- Temple Lock 109 miles
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.
- Runnymede Bridge
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.
- Shepperton Ferry 139 miles
As the river is "red-boarded" the ferry will not be operating, Follow the "Thames Path Alternative" on the left bank of the river to Walton Bridge. Update 28/10/24: although no longer "red-boarded", the ferry is still not operating due to adverse river conditions.
- Between Richmond and Kew 152-155
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.
Contact Us
Send us any issues with the route so that we can share it with other walkers
Call (44) 118 4664007
Email info@walkthethames.co.uk
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