Make your own way to Kemble a small village close to Cirencester in the Cotswolds at the source of the Thames. This was a pagan site during the Anglo-Saxon period. No doubt the springs of Thames Head would have been important ritual sites. The first and foremost spring that creates the Thames rises by an an old ash tree, however the source is usually dry during the summer months. Accommodation: A Gloucestershire pub serving excellent food in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. There is a large, well stocked central bar surrounded by various nooks and crannies, open fires, extensive landscaped gardens.

Meals:  Nil

Setting out from Kemble, passing the usually dry Ash tree spring, you will have to walk some distance before there is any water in a watercourse. After about a mile from the spring you pass Lyd Well where hopefullly some water will be seen. From here both you and the river wander through pastures, meadows and farms, passing by some picture postcard Cotswold villages such as Ewen and Ashton Keynes, characterised with slate roofs and honey coloured stone. Have your eyes peeled for bird life as the walk takes you through the Cotswold Water Park consisting of many ponds and lakes created mostly from gravel extraction. Luckily some lakes are maintained for wildlife. If you are walking in April and perhaps early May there is the spectacle of the abundance of rare Snakes Head Fritilleries in the North Meadow National Nature Reserve just before Cricklade; The Thames Path actually skirts around the reserve. Cricklade announces itself before you arrive with the four spire-let tower of the the 16th century St. Sampsons Church. It was an Anglo Saxon town, once fortified by Alfred the Great the first town on the path, the only one in Wiltshire and the navigable Thames officially starts from it. Accommodation: Tonight you will normally be in one of two pubs that are close to the centre.

Meals:  B

The walk rambles through meadows crossing the Thames a couple of times following the narrow river as far as the village of Castle Eaton with its lovely 12th century church. From here the Thames Path moves away from the river for a while on tracks and bridleways until it reaches Upper Inglesham. In this village you will find the Church of John The Baptist, sympathetically restored by William Morris, the 19th century poet and originator of the Arts & Crafts Movement who lived at Kelmscott a few miles downstream. At Inglesham the River Coln joins the Thames and the Thames and Severn Canal leaves it. Boats last used the canal in 1927, built to carry barges to Stroud. The Round House here was the unusual quarters of the lock-keeper – horses were stabled on the ground floor with people living above. Enter attractive Lechlade - named after the nearby River Leach - by leaving the Thames Path at Ha’penny Bridge, a lovely old stone toll bridge still with its small toll house. The town grew wealthy as a port from which large barges could be loaded with cheese and sent to Oxford and London. The stone for the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral was also loaded here. Accommodation: One of the best riverside locations along the Thames, our Inn here is right on the water and is the perfect destination for good pub food as well

Meals:  B

Today is the longest and most isolated section of the Thames Path following the growing river as it winds its way through the flood plain of the Thames Valley. Enjoy the peace and quiet, large skies and long views, accompanied by the sounds of swans and geese. Once you leave Lechlade behind, passing the statue of Old Father Thames at St John’s Lock, the first lock on the river, walk among grassy meadows with hedges abundant with blackberries in late August and September. At Kelmscott you can divert to visit the manor if it is a Wednesday or Saturday, once home to William Morris, founder of the Victorian Arts & Craft movement. Beyond Tadpole Bridge the Thames Path goes through Chimney Meadows National Nature Reserve, a vast area of rich in biodiversity managed by the local Wildlife Trust. Pass the oldest bridge on the Thames at Radcot, dating from 1200, and others with fascinating names including Old Man’s Bridge, Tenfoot Bridge (although it’s much wider than 10 feet) and finally Newbridge that is so new it dates from the 13th century! There are 6 locks on on this section, all remote and with lovely gardens. There is not much in the way of services, just occasional pubs until you arrive at Newbridge. Accommodation: There is just one place to stay around here in one of the pubs right on the river. This 16th century building has ivy-covered walls, Cotswold-stone, weeping willows rooms are all cosy and welcoming, some have delightful river views. Enjoy a cask ale and the sun on your face on the riverbank in the lovely garden during summer. Note that if this is booked out for your dates you may have to stay in Abingdon 7 miles away requiring a return taxi transfers. We will of course organise this for you (own expense).

Meals:  B

Begin the day along the grassy river bank for a few miles to Bablock Hythe, where you could take a refreshment break at The Ferry Man Inn. The path then leaves the river for a couple of miles returning at Swinford Bridge a bit further downstream. Built in 1770, it is one of only two remaining toll bridges on the Thames but free to pedestrians wanting to visit Eynsham which is a historical village. Continuing on by the river there are lovely rural sections where you may see the iridescent blue flash of a Kingfisher. Reach Kingslock - the most northerly point of the Thames. From there pass the remains of Godston Abbey and following the looping river, enter the lovely city of Oxford. For almost 2 miles the Path keeps company with the huge expanse of Oxford’s ancient Port Meadow (not ploughed for 4000 years) on the opposite bank, until suddenly you emerge into the city close to the rail station. This is a justly famous and attractive university town named after the fording of the river once made by oxen. Alfred The Great debated with the Monks here at the priory and from that time the place became a seat of learning. Accommodation: Oxford is a busy city and we frequent a range of hotels and inns close to the centre.

Meals:  B

Some may decide to have an extra day in Oxford, but otherwise today is a shorter walk giving you the morning to explore the town should you wish. The Thames Path heads south towards Abingdon through a rural area interspersed with grand houses. You pass Iffley Meadows Nature Reserve, home to the rare Snakes Head Fritillery in the spring and once past Iffley Lock and the ring road, the walk reengages with its rural charm, passing Sandford on Thames and the infamous 'Sandford Lasher ' which has the greatest fall of water on the Thames with its weir. Watch out for red kites wheeling about in the sky and roll into Abingdon, a pretty market town with a claim to be the oldest continually inhabited place in England. St. Nicholas's Church dates back to the 11th century and there is a magnificent town hall and abbey remains founded as early as 675AD. Accommodation: A beautiful house in the abbey grounds. it is a uniquely interesting historic building, situated in one of the most attractive historic streets in southern England and with gardens on the banks of the River Thames.

Meals:  B

A rural and suburban stroll today both starting and finishing in historic towns. As the crow flies, the distance between Abingdon and Wallingford is 8 miles but due to the Thames's winding nature you end up walking over 13! You will pass a lot of small villages and attractive settings on the way: meadows, locks and churches and walk by the river for most of the day. South of Abingdon the river turns east to head east past Culham and then on towards Clifton Hampden and a beautiful riverside view of the tiny 12th century church by the bridge. Arrive at Days Lock, famous as the home of the The World Pooh Stick Championship. From near here you can divert to either the historic abbey village of Dorchester on Thames whose great abbey church was built around 1140, or visit the Wittenham Clumps (small beech covered hills). One of these clumps known as Castle Hill on account of its Iron Age fort is worth both the detour from the Path and the steep climb for the views from the top. Alternatively explore Wallingford Castle, built by the Normans and demolished by Oliver Cromwell in the 17th century after the Civil War. These attractions all add to the distance and energy levels spent walking today! Finally passing Benson, site of a Saxon battle you arrive at Wallingford which has the finest example of a Saxon fortified town in England. Alfred The Great directed the erection of fortifications against the Danish invaders. This is also where the Normans crossed The Thames having invaded in 1066, to avoid crossing at central London. Accommodation: A local pub, restaurant & bed and breakfast located in the historic market town of Wallingford a stones throw from the River Thames. Serving local ales and home cooked food, they strive to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all.

Meals:  B

A shorter walk today through contrasting landscapes, ending in Pangbourne the 'home' of the Wind in the Willows story by Kenneth Grahame. There are a few hills today starting with wide open countryside with large undulating arable fields stretching away to the east to a beech wood skyline but after a few miles the view is dominated by the hills of the Berkshire Downs rising to the west and the wooded Chilterns to the east. At the junction of the two is the Goring Gap, the narrowest part of the Thames Valley where the river, blocked by glaciers during the Ice Age, bored its way through geological weaknesses in the chalk. There is a steep climb up steps and into Coombe Park away from the river. The path follows a road down through Whitchurch, crossing the Thames into Pangbourne. Here, the English countryside plays host to a striking cultural clash: it is the quiet, pastoral home of Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad of Toad Hall, yet it also served as a retreat for rock legend Jimmy Page, legendary Led Zeppelin guitarist. Accommodation: First established as a coaching inn in the 1600s, our hotel is encompassed in history and unique character. The interior is inspired by ‘The Wind in the Willows’ by late local author Kenneth Graham.

Meals:  B

The long walk today echoes with big city sounds, with planes for Heathrow Airport overhead, the Great Western Railway accompanying you nearby and the outskirts of the big town of Reading which is just to the south of the trail. The trail follows the river to Mapledurham Lock and a cafe break perhaps, before wandering alongside the road through Purley-on-Thames to rejoin the river at Tilehurst. Beyond Reading Bridge and Caversham Lock, things open up into a landscape of gentle wooded hills, fine houses and the ever-widening River Thames. Pass through Sonning, with its lovely 18th century hump-backed bridge, before the trail narrows for some lovely riverbank walking then through Shiplake, where George Orwell (Eric Blair) grew up. The trail then follows roads and paths inland of The Thames rejoining the river just before Henley-on-Thames. Henley is famous for its Royal Regatta and is a delightful town. Make sure you don’t miss the award-winning River and Rowing Museum on the banks of the river as you enter the town. Accommodation: In a suburban guesthouse about 15 minutes walk from the centre. There are 8 'luxury' guest bedrooms with WiFi and the place is beloved for its breakfasts. You may instead be at a pub B&B in the town centre, which also does some great pub food.

Meals:  B

Depart from Henley for your onward journey

Meals:  B