As baby boomers are aging, their vacation tastes are turning more towards the adventurous. This makes sense when you consider younger travelers are seeking a release from the daily stresses of professional life, whereas retirees are looking more towards exploring while traveling. It was in this spirit that my husband and I tackled the Thames River Path the summer of his 60th birthday.
From the rural countryside of the Cotswolds to the Thames Barrier just outside of London, walking along the growing and thriving river spans the breath of the English experience.
Walking the 184 miles of the Thames River – from the Source to the Sea – had long been a goal of my husband. I was more a reluctant participant, at least at first, however this quickly changed once we set out on the trail.
The trail starts literally at the source of the River Thames. A small stone in the center of an active farmers field is the only indication a river is about to sprout – that and a sign pointing the direction and the distance to London sporting the iconic acorn as a guide. The path is all-downhill from there – literally.
When I say you start off in a field, I mean literally in the middle of a cow pasture. The path itself is a combination of public and private lands. It consists of farm roads, towpaths and paved roadways. For that reason, it is important to take sturdy walking shoes capable of a good wash at the end of the day – I did mention farm fields, right?
To wind your way along the path you simply follow the acorn marked signs, which are very easily recognizable in remote areas where the path is clear but seem to disappear when the route gets a little trickier. For that reason, a good map, and a good sense of humor, are two key components for successful navigation.
The maps can be found on the National Trails website along with a wealth of information about lodging and dining along the route. All the information is there to plan your own journey. There are also recommendations for companies who offer organized trips – which is the way we chose to make the trip.
The trail meanders in and out of small towns with a good deal of time in the beginning spent out in the open. As the English summer weather can be variable – aka rainy – make sure you are also equipped with rainproof gear and wear layers that are easily shed or added. Sunscreen and bug spray are also musts to bring in your daypack.
The highlight of each day is when passing through several of the 45 different locks and weirs you’ll encounter along the way. Starting out as simple one-man operated levees capable of transporting only small craft as far upstream as Cricklade, they grow in size and technology from Lechlade on down to accommodate larger and larger vessels; from the iconic houseboats you’ll pass along the route to large commercial vessels closer to London. Regardless of the size, each lock provides a comfortable bench to sit in the shade and watch as the boats glide through.
Along the route there are opportunities to meet like-minded individuals – either enroute or when stopping for a quick pub lunch. Evenings spent in rustic Inns provide a wonderful opportunity to interact with the locals – all of whom want to tell their tale of the river, and you’ll have plenty of chances to enjoy the local flora and fauna on the way – especially the fauna.
A little research ahead of time will help to identify the many small side trips, possible boat rides, and other locations where you might want to spend some extra time just to explore. The path will take you through such historic locations as Windsor, Oxford, Henley, Marlow and Hampton Court. How long you plan to stop and enjoy the sites will have a huge impact on the duration of your holiday.
The trail ends at the Thames Barrier just outside London. An engineering feat worthy of a visit in it’s own rights regardless of whether or not you are walking the Thames Path, it also provides a wonderful mural illustrating the elevation changes and distances of the route just finished. A fitting end to the journey.
A walk along the Thames River truly is a walk through the very history of England. It is a trip well worth the journey.
Featured images:
- License: Image author owned
- License: Image author owned
- License: Image author owned
- License: Image author owned
- License: Image author owned
- License: Image author owned
- License: Image author owned
Karen Foley is a professional freelance stock photographer whose passion for travel drives her to explore new places. See more of her work on dreamstime.com
