Mid Thames Path
PHOTOS
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Bed and Breakfast - Accommodation
- Luggage Transfer one bag per person
- Maps and guide notes
- Itinerary
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KEY INFORMATION
Starting point: Abingdon
Finishing point: Windsor
Avg. daily distance: 10.5 miles
Total distance: 63 miles / 100 km
Terrain: Gravel Path
Walking grade: Easy
01326 279 278WHEN TO WALK
ROUTE MAP
A very gentle walk starting from the historic riverside town of Abingdon.
A wonderful introductory walk for those new to long distance walking, this 63 mile 6 day walk follows the course of the Thames from Abingdon to Windsor. One will see all types of river craft as the river widens from pleasure craft to rowing eights, other highlights are the locks where the boats are lowered or raised. Each lock has a little cottage attached where the lock keepers used to live and one of the pleasures of the trip is to stop and chat with lock keepers and other river users as they pass through the locks.
Travel to Abingdon
Abingdon to Wallingford 13.5 miles / 22 km
Wallingford to Pangbourne 9 miles / 15 km
Pangbourne to Sonning 11 miles / 18 km
Sonning to Henley 7 miles / 12 km
Henley to Marlow 9 miles / 15 km
Marlow to Windsor 14 miles / 22.5 km
Travel to Abingdon
Travel to Abingdon where your first night's accommodation has been booked.
Abingdon to Wallingford 13.5 miles / 22 km
The route is dominated by great loops in the river and fascinating small settlements along the way. Two particular highlights are the wonderful juxtaposition of Clifton Hampden Bridge with the nearby church and the varied landscapes around Little Wittenham.
Wallingford to Pangbourne 9 miles / 15 km
The route takes you through the Goring Gap, the dramatic valley carved by the River Thames through the line of chalk hills. It is the only section of the walk with anything like a serious hill. The beech woodlands on this stretch can look stunning on a crisp, sunny autumn day.
Pangbourne to Sonning 11 miles / 18 km
The route starts on a wonderful stretch of river that is said to be the inspiration for the novel "The Wind in the Willows". The route then has an urban, though surprisingly leafy, stretch as you pass through the outskirts of Reading. As you approach Sonning, the location of an ancient river crossing point, the path has regained it's rural nature.
Sonning to Henley 7 miles / 12 km
The route passes through Shilplake on its way to Henley, both these places are famous for their summer rowing regattas. Henley's is in early July, but for many weeks beforehand the construction of the river barriers and hospitality areas are visible.
Henley to Marlow 9 miles / 15 km
The route follows the Henley Regatta course for the first mile, Temple island marks the bottom end of the course. Further on you pass the lock at Hurley, this village is a few minutes detour off the path but well worth a visit. The path then continues its rural nature as it takes you to the suspension bridge at Marlow, another lovely riverside town with lots of shops, restaurants and bars to be explored.
Marlow to Windsor 14 miles / 22.5 km
This section of the route passes through some attractive countryside with views of the Clivedon Estate between Cookham and Maidenhead. Beyond the bustle of Boulter's Lock and the busy town of Maidenhead, the peaceful towpath returns. You pass close to the 2012 Olympic Rowing venue at Eton Dorney, leave the path and take a look. It is the rowing lake for Eton School (not all schools are equal!). The walk finishes with a dramatic view of Windsor Castle from across the meadows near Eton.
WALKING DIFFICULTY: This is an easy flat walk.
ACCOMMODATION: Our standard itinerary provides accommodation in either 3 or 4 star bed and breakfasts or small hotels or inns. When quoting for a holiday a draft itinerary is provided showing typical accommodation used on the route.
ADDITIONAL NIGHTS: Extra nights can be taken anywhere.
NAVIGATION: Navigation is generally straight forward, follow the acorn signs stay near the river. The guide notes provided will help you with any of tricky bits.
BAGGAGE TRANSFERS: All our prices include transfering one bag per person (max weight 20kg) between your overnight stops.
Travel information:
TRAVEL BY RAIL:
Arriving: London mainline trains go from Paddington to Oxford every 30mins Kemble every hour (journey time 1 hour) it is an 8 mile taxi ride from Oxford to Abingdon.
Returning: From Windsor trains go every 30min to London Paddington (journey time 1 hr)
TRAVEL BY CAR:
Long Term Parking is available in Abingdon.
Return: There are trains every 30 mins from Windsor to Oxford, then it is an 8 mile taxi ride to Abingdon.
TRAVEL BY AIR:
Any London Airport (Heathrow would be the most convenient), then travel into London and on the tube to Paddington Station, see Travel by Rail above.
Return from Windsor to Heathrow or Gatwick see http://www.royalwindsor.org.uk/travel.htm for options
AVAILABILITY:
This walk can be done April to October
PRICES:
6 Day Walking Itinerary (7 nights accommodation) from £735 per person, assumes 2 people walking together and sharing a room.
Single supplement (for person walking on their own) from £50 per night
Extra nights from £60 per person