Thames Path
A 185-mile journey along England's most iconic river, offering urban exploration and serene countryside.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Thames Path
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 185-mile journey along England's most iconic river, offering urban exploration and serene countryside.
"From epic 100km challenges to gentle riverside strolls, the Thames Path offers diverse adventures."
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
Many sections are trail-based and can get muddy, especially after rain . Good footwear is essential for comfort.
🗺️ Plan your route
The Thames Path is 185 miles long! Choose a section that suits your time and fitness level .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Thames Path 100km Challenge
An epic ultramarathon following the river, testing endurance and spirit. A true test of grit!

Greenwich Riverside Stroll
Greenwich
Walk past grand architecture and enjoy stunning skyline views. A picturesque and accessible London experience.

Henley-on-Thames to Marlow
Thames Path, Henley-on-Thames to Marlow
A beautiful riverside walk with swimming spots and charming pubs. Perfect for a scenic day out.

Nine Elms Thames Path
Nine Elms, London
Enjoy unbroken access to the river and nature in the heart of the city. A newly reconnected public space.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Thames Path Adventure
Navigating the Path
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
Many sections are trail-based and can get muddy, especially after rain.
Good footwear is essential for comfort.🗺️ Plan your route
The Thames Path is 185 miles long! Choose a section that suits your time and fitness level.
🚆 Utilize public transport
Trains from London make accessing different parts of the path easy for day trips.
💧 Stay hydrated
Especially important if you're tackling longer distances or during warmer months.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
Many sections are trail-based and can get muddy, especially after rain.
Good footwear is essential for comfort.🗺️ Plan your route
The Thames Path is 185 miles long! Choose a section that suits your time and fitness level.
🚆 Utilize public transport
Trains from London make accessing different parts of the path easy for day trips.
💧 Stay hydrated
Especially important if you're tackling longer distances or during warmer months.
📱 Download offline maps
Signal can be spotty in some areas. Having maps downloaded ensures you won't get lost.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Thames Path is celebrated for its diverse scenery, from urban London landmarks to tranquil countryside. Many praise its accessibility for day trips and the rewarding challenge of the 100km ultra-marathon. However, some sections can be muddy and less maintained, and urban areas can be crowded.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can access various points of the Thames Path via London's extensive public transport network. For day trips, trains from London Paddington to Goring and Streatley or Henley-on-Thames are popular.
Within London, the Tube and buses provide access to riverside areas like Greenwich and Nine Elms.Yes, many sections of the Thames Path are well-served by public transport. Train stations and bus routes often run parallel to or near the path, making it easy to start or end your walk at different points.
Yes, cycling is permitted on most of the Thames Path, though some sections may have restrictions or be more suitable for walking. It's a popular route for cyclists, especially for longer journeys.
For a scenic day trip, consider taking a train from London Paddington to towns like Goring & Streatley or Henley-on-Thames.
These offer beautiful riverside walks and are easily accessible.Parking availability varies greatly depending on the section. In more rural areas, you might find local parking, but in London, it's often easier and more convenient to use public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Thames Path is a public right of way and is free to access. There are no tickets required for walking or enjoying the scenery.
Generally, no. The path itself is free. However, if you choose to visit attractions located along the path, such as museums or specific gardens, those may have their own admission fees.
The Thames Path is a public path and is generally accessible 24/7. However, specific areas or amenities along the path might have their own operating hours.
The main path is always open. However, there can be temporary closures due to maintenance, events, or construction, such as the recent reconnection of the Nine Elms section.
It's always a good idea to check local advisories if you're planning a specific route.While the path is technically open, safety can be a concern in certain areas after dark, particularly in less populated or more isolated stretches.
It's advisable to stick to well-lit and busier areas if walking at night.🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The Thames Path Challenge is a popular ultramarathon event where participants run or walk 100km along the River Thames. It's a significant endurance event that attracts many runners.
The terrain varies greatly. In London, it's often paved and urban. Further out, it can be more rural, with towpaths, trails, and some road sections. Expect mud after rain.
Yes, many sections are very family-friendly, especially those closer to London with good transport links and amenities. Shorter, flatter sections are ideal for younger children.
Many find the stretches between Henley and Marlow,
Hampton Wick and Richmond, and through Greenwich to be particularly scenic and enjoyable.Facilities vary. In towns and cities along the path, you'll find plenty of cafes, pubs, and public toilets. In more rural or remote sections, amenities are less frequent, so it's wise to be prepared.
📸 📸 Photography
Iconic London landmarks like the Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, and the O2 Arena offer fantastic photo ops. Further afield, charming riverside towns, historic bridges, and the natural beauty of the riverbanks provide stunning shots.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. Early mornings can also be great for capturing misty river scenes and fewer people.
The Nine Elms Thames Path offers new public spaces with river views.
Greenwich provides dramatic skyline vistas, and the sections near Henley and Marlow are known for their picturesque riverside charm.A versatile lens is recommended, from wide-angle for landscapes to a telephoto for distant landmarks. Consider a sturdy tripod for low-light shots or long exposures of the river.
Yes, the Thames Path offers views of the Thames Barrier, particularly from the North Greenwich side. It's an impressive piece of engineering to capture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏃♀️ Ultra-Marathon Runners
🚶♀️ Leisurely Walkers & Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thames Path 100km Challenge: A Runner's Perspective
Training for this event involves dedicated preparation, with runners increasing their mileage and intensity in the weeks leading up to the race. The experience is often described as both grueling and immensely rewarding, with finishers expressing pride in their accomplishment, regardless of their finishing time. It's an event that truly tests the limits of human endurance and spirit, set against the backdrop of one of England's most iconic rivers.
Exploring the Thames Path: Day Trips and Scenic Stretches
For those seeking urban riverside experiences, the Thames Path in Greenwich offers stunning skyline views and grand architecture, while the reconnected Nine Elms section provides unbroken access to the river in the heart of London. These accessible routes are perfect for leisurely strolls, offering a different perspective of the city and its iconic waterway. The path is well-served by public transport, making it easy to hop on and off at various points, allowing for flexible itineraries.
Mudlarking and River Exploration
Beyond mudlarking, the river itself is a focal point. The Thames Path allows for close-up views of the impressive Thames Barrier, a vital piece of engineering protecting London from tidal surges. The river is also a hub for various water-based activities, from rowing to simply enjoying the views from its banks. The River & Rowing Museum in Henley-on-Thames further delves into the region's rich rowing heritage.
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