The full length of the Thames from its source in the Cotswolds downstream to London and Greenwich includes an amazing array of differing landscapes. From remote and wild pasture meadows to the steeply wooded Chiltern slopes the river threads its way through sleepy rural villages and through the heart of bustling historic towns such as Oxford, Henley and Marlow. Tiny hamlets to the metropolis that is London line the banks of the river as do Windsor Castle and the Tower of London, the palaces at Hampton Court and Greenwich and the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew.
With stays in luxury hotels or characterful inns and our knowledge of the Thames, we have created an itinerary designed to give you time to enjoy all the delights this great river has to offer. Much of the route is along the Thames Path, but occasionally we will take you along infinitely preferable bridleways which are closer to the river and notably prettier. Threading its course through history and royalty, the Thames provides such a great way to discover the sights and smells of quintessential England. Take in the unsung but very English details that line the river banks, the backwaters and weirs, the wildlife and old dockyards. Walk through the heart of London and the Upper Thames wilderness to discover an England most tourists rarely see but we can unlock for you.
Holiday details
Price
- Classic
-
from £3,485 per person
- Luxury
-
from £5,225 per person
Based on two people sharing a room
Duration
13 nights
Start & Finish
Starts Tuesdays from kemble or Cirencester. Finishes London. Both overnight stays are a short taxi ride from the mainline station of Kemble which is 1.25 hours from London Paddington.
Hotels
- Classic
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Centrally located hand picked hotels, inns and 3 b&b's
- Luxury
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3, 4 and 5 star hotels that include 4 inns dating from the 13th to 17th Century and a 5 star central London hotel
Holiday type
Self-guided so you are free to explore at your own pace. More info...
Activity level
Not so gentle walking. More info...
Mileage
13 days of walking 6 - 15 miles (10 - 24 km) per day
Terrain
More or less flat
What’s included?
Ensuite accommodation every night with breakfast. The services of our friendly local Hosts. Luggage transfers between hotels. 24/7 phone contact number. Adventure Handbook with our local tips. GPS Routes on an App with waterproof phone holder. Guidebook or OS maps. Protection of your funds. Advice, help and guidance planning your trip.
Transfers to start/end of walks as specified. Guide Book with OS Maps. Read About Our Trips for further details
Options
- Additional nights in Cirencester, Oxford, Windsor or London
- Shorten the walk with our 'source to Henley' or 'Henley to London' 7 night trips
- Upgrade the luxury trip for a tip top collection of hotels. Please ask.
Itinerary day-by-day
Classic
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1. Day one
Arrive Kemble
Arrive in Kemble close to Cirencester where a warm welcome awaits you at your accommodation. Take a short walk along the trickling waterway if you wish, to the source of the Thames River and its headstone for a photo call to mark the start of your adventure. Your host will meet you either this evening or tomorrow morning to welcome you and run through your itinerary.
Optional 1.3 miles (2 km)
-
2. Day two
Ewen to Cricklade
We will transfer you to the start of your walk in Ewen heading for Cricklade. Amble along the Thames Path beside the fledging waterway which here is a mere trickle. The route includes several lakes, idyllic meadows and some very pretty villages and willow lined paths. Cricklade - described as the first town on the Thames, dates from the 9th Century and your overnight stay is in an ancient inn in the heart of the town.
10 miles (16 km)
-
3. Day three
Cricklade to Kelmscott
This section of the river is often remote, very quiet and immensely beautiful with some gentle folds in the landscape and the occassional village. The market town of Lechlade breaks the silence. It marks the upstream limit of navigation today and is a characterful place known for its antique shops. Just beyond lies the lovely hamlet of Kelmscott where you will stay the night. William Morris spent many summers here in the manor house as it's such an idyllic spot.
15 miles (24 km)
-
4. Day four
Kelmscott to Oxford
This morning we will transfer you to Eynsham, a typical Cotswold village not far from Oxford. From here you will have the pleasure of walking towards the dreaming spires of Oxford through the extensive wild meadows which lead virtually into the heart of this historic city and to your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the splendid university colleges and take in a museum or two and some of the charming Oxford lanes and alleyways.
7 miles (11 km) walking and a transfer of 40 minutes by road
-
5. Day five
Oxford to Dorchester
In July and August only, enjoy the luxury of a short 2 hour river boat trip first thing in the morning to the market town of Abingdon where you disembark. At other times we transfer you by road to Abingdon. Take time to explore this ancient town before meandering on along the peaceful river bank, fragrant with the scent of meadow sweet in the summer. There are the two very pretty villages of Culham and Sutton Courtenay to enjoy before you reach Dorchester on Thames with its half timbered houses and thatched cottages. Your overnight stay is in an old coaching inn in the town.
11 miles (18 km) walking with a boat ride of 2 hours or a taxi transfer
-
6. Day six
Dorchester to Pangbourne
After breakfast, we will transfer you to Wallingford, the neighbouring market town downstream of Dorchester. This is another charming country town well worth exploring before you ramble on. The river scene is very rural counting tiny ancient hamlets, water meadows and splendid weirs along the way. As you approach the villages of Goring and Streatley, straddled either side of the river and home to several notable novelists, the scene shifts for here the Thames starts to cut dramatically down through the beech clad slopes of the Chiltern hills. Walking through the woods you have fine views of the river from the cliff before crossing the tollbridge and reaching Pangbourne for a well earned rest.
11 miles (18 km) walking with a 20 minutes transfer by road
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7. Day seven
Pangbourne to Henley
Today's walk is full of variety. Following a riverside bridleway you will pass a vineyard and idyllic Mapledurham House nestled at the foot of the Chilterns. This is such a beautiful reach that leads on to the wide meadows through Reading and to Sonning - described by some as the prettiest village on the Thames. The final stretch into elegant Henley takes in weirs, locks and the River Museum. Famed for its annual rowing regatta, Henley is a fitting finale for todays walk and your overnight stay is in the heart of the town.
16 miles (26 km)
-
8. Day eight
Henley to Marlow
The shortish walk today allows you time to explore both Henley and your destination town of Marlow. Both are bursting with character and history. The Thames Path takes you beside the course of the Henley rowing regatta, past the old mill and weir at Hambledon to the charms of Hurley village. With great views of the Chiltern hills and plenty of wildlife to enjoy, your hotel in Marlow adjacent to the old suspension bridge and weir will all too soon come into view.
8 miles (13 km)
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9. Day nine
Marlow to Windsor
What a day! Willow trees are dotted about meadows with boat houses, mini islands rise out of the water and grand houses loom into view. Discover the quirky village of Cookham and marvel at the majestic Windsor Castle in the distance. Visit the gallery in Cookham which celebrates Stanley Spencer's life; relive Edwardian history at Boulter's Lock at Maidenhead; delight at the stunning views at Cliveden House with its (in)famous political past. Approaching Windsor from the meadows of Eton, you cross the river here and stay overnight in the heart of this royal town.
14 miles (23 km)
-
10. Day ten
Windsor to Staines
Today's shorter walk has been designed to give you a full morning in which to enjoy Windsor. The final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II, Windsor Castle is the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world. You also are lucky enough to walk through the royal estate following the Thames river path. And not far beyond lies Runnymede and its old meadows. This town is where the historic charter was signed by King John. Your hotel here is a 16th Century Inn that lies adjacent to the river.
8 miles (13 km)
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11. Day eleven
Staines to Hampton Wick
Still very rural, the Thames runs through meadows with kissing gates, past holiday cottages and cosy inns and down a river abundant with wildlife. You will cross the river on the only ferry crossing of the tour and continue on to Hampton Court where you stay adjacent to the vast park attributed to Henry VIII.
14 miles (22 km)
-
12. Day twelve
Hampton Wick to Richmond
At Hampton Court Palace there is 500 years of stunning royal history for you to discover from the Tudor kitchens to the maze, and the astronomical clock to the state apartments of William III. The itinerary offers you time to enjoy the palace and have a gentle stroll along the historic stretch of the river to Richmond where royalty built their houses and gardens over the centuries. River boats ply frequently along this stretch of the river if you fancy a break from walking. Stay in the charming riverside village of Richmond at our hand-picked boutique hotel.
6 miles (9 km)
-
13. Day thirteen
Richmond to Central London
Just 3 miles downstream from Richmond lie the world renowned Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew and wonderful Kew Palace. Continue along the Thames Path to encounter ancient wharves, historic pubs, and renowned bridges. This really is hidden gem walking, with a new surprise around every corner and views of London most tourists rarely see. You have an enviable choice of how to spend the day, for you can walk all the way, or take the river boat from Richmond all the way or walk to Kew and take the afternoon boat into London. You will spend the night at a hotel in the heart of London, a short walk from the river path and from the boat pier at Westminster.
Up to 17 miles (27 km)
-
14. Day fourteen
Central London to Greenwich and the Thames Barrier and back. Depart
On the final day of your tour before you depart, you have the choice of a further walk downstream to Greenwich if you wish. En route you will get up close with Tower Bridge, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and the former warehouses and dockyards of east London now converted into flats, marinas and the new banking zone of Canary Wharf. Once you reach Greenwich, take your time to absorb its maritime history and make the most of a photo opportunity astride the meridian line! And now is your chance to reward yourself with a final boat hop back to central London, taking in the Thames Barrier if you wish. And your adventure draws to an end!
Optional 12 miles (19 km)
Luxury
-
1. Day one
Arrive Cirencester
Arrive in the Cotswold capital of Cirencester. A warm welcome awaits you at the elegant Boutique Hotel in the heart of this historic town. If you have time, we will transfer you to a nearby hamlet so that you can take a short walk along the trickling waterway, to the source of the Thames River and its headstone for a photo call to mark the start of your adventure. Your host will meet you either this evening or tomorrow morning to welcome you and run through your itinerary.
Optional 1.3 miles (2 km)
-
2. Day two
Ewen to Cricklade
We will transfer you to the start of your walk in Ewen heading for Cricklade. Amble along the Thames Path beside the fledging waterway which here is a mere trickle. The route includes several lakes, idyllic meadows and some very pretty villages and willow lined paths. Cricklade - described as the first town on the Thames, dates from the 9th Century and we meet you here to transfer you to the manor house in Clanfield, your hotel for the next 2 nights where your luggage will be waiting for you.
10 miles (16 km)
-
3. Day three
Cricklade to Kelmscott
Continuing on from Cricklade, this section of the river is often remote, very quiet and immensely beautiful with some gentle folds in the landscape and the occasional village. The market town of Lechlade breaks the silence. It marks the upstream limit of navigation today and is a characterful place known for its antique shops. Just beyond lies the lovely hamlet of Kelmscott. William Morris spent many summers here in the manor house as it's such an idyllic spot. A short transfer takes you to your hotel in Clanfield..
15 miles (24 km)
-
4. Day four
Clanfield to Oxford
This morning we will transfer you to Eynsham, a typical Cotswold village not far from Oxford. From here you will have the pleasure of walking towards the dreaming spires of Oxford through the extensive wild meadows which lead virtually into the heart of this historic city and to your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the splendid university colleges and take in a museum or two and some of the charming Oxford lanes and alleyways.
7 miles (11 km) walking and a transfer of 40 minutes by road
-
5. Day five
Oxford to Dorchester
In July and August only, enjoy the luxury of a short 2 hour river boat trip first thing in the morning to the market town of Abingdon where you disembark. At other times we transfer you by road to Abingdon. Take time to explore this ancient town before meandering on along the peaceful river bank, fragrant with the scent of meadow sweet in the summer. There are the two very pretty villages of Culham and Sutton Courtenay to enjoy before you reach Dorchester on Thames with its half timbered houses and thatched cottages. Your overnight stay is in an old coaching inn in the town.
11 miles (18 km) walking with a boat ride of 2 hours or a taxi transfer
-
6. Day six
Dorchester to Pangbourne
After breakfast, we will transfer you to Wallingford, the neighbouring market town downstream of Dorchester. This is another charming country town well worth exploring before you ramble on. The river scene is very rural counting tiny ancient hamlets, water meadows and splendid weirs along the way. As you approach the villages of Goring and Streatley, straddled either side of the river and home to several notable novelists, the scene shifts for here the Thames starts to cut dramatically down through the beech clad slopes of the Chiltern hills. Walking through the woods you have fine views of the river from the cliff before crossing the tollbridge and reaching Pangbourne for a well earned rest.
11 miles (18 km) walking with a 20 minutes transfer by road
-
7. Day seven
Pangbourne to Henley
Today's walk is full of variety. Following a riverside bridleway you will pass a vineyard and idyllic Mapledurham House nestled at the foot of the Chilterns. This is such a beautiful reach that leads on to the wide meadows through Reading and to Sonning - described by some as the prettiest village on the Thames. The final stretch into elegant Henley takes in weirs, locks and the River Museum. Famed for its annual rowing regatta, Henley is a fitting finale for todays walk and your overnight stay is in the heart of the town.
16 miles (26 km)
-
8. Day eight
Henley to Marlow
Today comprises a relatively short walk, which leaves you plenty of time to explore Henley, as well as Marlow, where you will stay overnight. Both towns are just packed full of history and have bucketloads of charm. Follow the Thames Path and trace the course of the Henley rowing regatta, past several islands and the ancient mill and weir at Hambledon and into the little village of Hurley. Your hotel in Marlow is The Compleat Angler, which affords some great views of the Chiltern Hills. If you're lucky, you'll spot red kites circling in the skies here. The area is teeming with stunning flora and fauna.
8 miles (13 km)
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9. Day nine
Marlow to Windsor
This day is a Carter Company team favourite! From willow-lined meadows with boat houses and endless islands to grand houses, the joys of Cookham village and the intriging backdrop of the royal castle at Windsor, your route is packed with interest. Cookham has an art gallery with a focus on Stanley Spencer; Boulter's Lock at Maidenhead is a reminder of Edwardian pastimes on the river and there are stunning views at Cliveden of the Thames and its grand past. Take our special route through the meadows of Eton to reach Windsor, where you cross the river and find your hotel, The MacDonald Windsor.
14 miles (23 km)
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10. Day ten
Windsor to Laleham
Explore Windsor, the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II in Windsor Castle, the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world. Your walk then takes you through the royal estate following the Thames downstream. You’ll soon reach the historic meadows of Runnymede, where the 13th Century charter was signed by King John. Cross the river in Staines and follow the meadows to Laleham village where we meet you for a transfer to Oatlands Park your hotel close by set in large grounds where once was a palace.
11 miles (17 km)
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11. Day eleven
Laleham to Hampton Court
We return you to Laleham to continue the walk along the Thames Path. This is a really lovely rural section which winds through meadows with kissing gates, past pretty cottages and cosy pubs and descends locks and weirs abundant with wildlife. Today features the only ferry crossing of the trip. Disembark and continue on to Hampton Court Palace, historic home of Henry VIII. You stay overnight just outside the palace gates at the Mitre Hotel.
9 miles (15 km)
-
12. Day twelve
Hampton Court to Ricmond
The itinerary affords you plenty of time to explore Hampton Court Palace today. This incredible building boats 500 years of royal history. Check out the Tudor kitchens, get lost in the maze (it’s a lot of fun!), marvel at the astronomical clock, wander through the state apartments of William III. When you’ve had your fill of history, continue your journey along the historic stretch of the river to Richmond. There are numerous royal houses and gardens here to take in. River boats ply frequently along this stretch of the river if you fancy a break from walking. Stay in the charming riverside village of Richmond at our hand-picked boutique hotel, The Petersham.
8 miles (13 km)
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13. Day thirteen
Richmond to Central London
The incredible, not-to-be-missed Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew and Kew Palace lie just 3 miles downstream from Richmond. And beyond, the fascinating tidal riverscape is dotted with old wharves, historic pubs, and numerous famous bridges for you to walk under. There are surprises and intrigues around almost every turn of the river, and some stunning views of London that most tourists never lay their eyes on. Choose how you want to spend the day - you can walk the entire way, take a boat the entire way, or walk to Kew and hop on the afternoon boat into London. Whatever your choice, you will spend the night adjacent to the river path near the London Eye at the Royal Horseguards Hotel. This is just across the Thames from Westminster – quintessential London awaits!
Up to 17 miles (27 km)
-
14. Day fourteen
Central London to Greenwich and the Thames Barrier and back. Depart
This is the last day of your trip, but before you depart you can take one last stroll downstream to Greenwich - if you wish! This is a truly fascinating route taking in Tower Bridge, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and East London's former warehouses and dockyards, which have been developed into trendy apartments, and the new financial district of Canary Wharf. Arriving in Greenwich, there is much to explore with the meridian line and its naval tradition. Once you've had your fill, hop on a boat and float back into central London taking in the Thames Barrier if you wish. What an adventure!
Optional 12 miles (19 km)