Watch: Walking the Thames Path with Tony Robinson

Sir Tony Robinson has always been fascinated by the River Thames. In this wonderful film, he makes the full 200-mile journey from source to sea, discovering what makes it one of the greatest rivers in the world. The journey begins at the very source of the Thames, a pure spring rising from the ground in a quiet Gloucestershire field, and follows the river all the way to London and beyond. It is a perfect introduction to everything that makes the Thames Path one of England's most varied and rewarding long-distance walks.

Walk the Thames Path: 3 Itineraries

Inspired to follow in Tony's footsteps? Walkers' Britain & Europe offers three carefully designed self-guided itineraries covering the full length of the Thames Path National Trail, from the Cotswolds to the Thames Barrier.

Thames Path West

This 9-day itinerary covers the longer and quieter half of the trail, tracing the Thames from its source near the Cotswold village of Kemble to the elegant boating town of Henley-on-Thames. The river is narrower and more peaceful here, passing through flower-filled meadows, Cotswold villages, historic market towns and traditional riverside pubs. Highlights include the Saxon town of Cricklade, the riverside charm of Lechlade and the dreaming spires of Oxford. A wonderful introduction to long-distance walking in quintessential English countryside.

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Best of the Thames Path: Oxford to Windsor

This 8-day itinerary captures the very best of the middle section of the trail, beginning among the dreaming spires of Oxford and ending beneath the towers of Windsor Castle. The route follows the Thames through historic market towns, elegant riverside villages and some of the country's most cherished countryside, passing through Wallingford, Pangbourne and Henley-on-Thames before finishing in royal Windsor. Literary connections abound throughout, from Kenneth Grahame's Wind in the Willows to the banks that inspired Jerome K. Jerome. An excellent introduction to National Trail walking.

>> View Best of the Thames Path: Oxford to Windsor

Thames Path East

This 9-day itinerary covers the second half of the National Trail, tracing the river from Henley-on-Thames into the heart of London and on to the Thames Barrier at Greenwich. The route passes Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace and Kew Gardens before entering the capital, where the towpath winds through royal parks, past iconic bridges and along the South Bank to finish at Greenwich. A uniquely varied walk that blends peaceful riverside countryside with the energy and history of one of the world's great cities.

>> View Thames Path East