Walking The Thames

[Ginster]

I live at its highest navigable point , let me know when you are doing it as I will walk a bit of it with you and also can suggest some places to stay along our section.

Definitely will

 

[Ginster]

Well half the pubs are inns. Even less on your back if you're going to both sleep and eat in the pubs. No taxis, looking up bus/train timetables, etc. Although you need to know your average speed to make bookings in advance. I've lived in and about Reading most of my life. Some of my favorite stretches of Thames are the section west of Pangbourne and that between Henley and just east of Hurley.

Half the fun, I think, is planning where I can park the Moho and how to get back to it, I have plenty of apps on my phone for buses trains etc. So should be OK

 

[glenn2926]

Having said I prefer the mountains. I have walked the Dalesway four or five times. This is Ilkley to Bowness (on Windermere) by riverside path. I don’t think we get above 1800 feet so pretty flat. It is though a very interesting walk and easy going all the way. I would recommend it to anyone that enjoys a decent walk.

 

[wolfie2]

Ginster Post your dates and places when you know them and I'll join you for as much as I can.

 

[kevenh]

JFF
Cough!!! You should walk from the source of the River Churn to do the Thames source to river mouth walk properly.
Other than the name, how did Thames Head become the source?

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[AndyPK]

JFF
Cough!!! You should walk from the source of the River Churn to do the Thames source to river mouth walk properly.
Other than the name, how did Thames Head become the source?

I’ve often wondered that too..... The Churn looks a much more likely source - more so than the Thames Head (Pub)!

 

[jumartoo]

If you can get hold of a copy of this book, have a read. It won't help you with planning, but it's a funny account of
One man and his dog.

 

[emjaiuk]

I live in Shepperton, where the Thames Path changes banks. If the ferry isn't running, pm me and I'll arrange to give you a lift from Shepperton Lock to Weybridge. Save you a 2/3 mile boring (to me) inland walk.

 

[Ginster]

JFF
Cough!!! You should walk from the source of the River Churn to do the Thames source to river mouth walk properly.
Other than the name, how did Thames Head become the source?

Everything I've read gives the same source, how did you discover the source is at the Churn?

 

[Jenben]

I was genuinely underwhelmed when we went to find the source of the Thames

This statue of Father Thames used to be there but due to vandalism moved to St Johns Lock, he is a well loved statue locally, on Christmas Day he often has a bottle and glass by him and during lockdown in March I found him sporting the following.

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[Chris]

I get drunk just stopping at every pub on the South Bank.

 

[kevenh]

JFF
Cough!!! You should walk from the source of the River Churn to do the Thames source to river mouth walk properly.
Other than the name, how did Thames Head become the source?

Everything I've read gives the same source, how did you discover the source is at the Churn?

Don't panic. It was a "Just For Fun" post.
This summer I camped near Infant Thames and in later research read about the "controversy".
If you want to extend your hiking by ~20km then use the River Churn but I'm not offended if you use your references & guide books.

edit: FWIW at the Seven Springs source you'd get a plaque suggesting you're at the Thames source
reference

 

[buttons]

Each to his own, might try mountains one day

I wouldn't bother, all you see up there are sheep. The Thames is full fantastic places to stop off and visit with history to suit. The house where George Michael was found backs onto. Winsor, Hampton Court and much much more. Hills are for old duffers who are attempting to prove something. The Thames is for pure enjoyment.

 

[Ginster]

I live in Shepperton, where the Thames Path changes banks. If the ferry isn't running, pm me and I'll arrange to give you a lift from Shepperton Lock to Weybridge. Save you a 2/3 mile boring (to me) inland walk.

Thanks Malcolm, might just take you up on that!

 

[Ginster]

Don't panic. It was a "Just For Fun" post.
This summer I camped near Infant Thames and in later research read about the "controversy".
If you want to extend your hiking by ~20km then use the River Churn but I'm not offended if you use your references & guide books.

edit: FWIW at the Seven Springs source you'd get a plaque suggesting you're at the Thames source
reference

Must be getting old, had to look up what FWIW means

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[hymerman]

As an alternative, walk the River Wye, prettiest river in England and of course Wales.
Much nicer than the Thames.
Even canoe parts if your'e up for it, lots of companies offer hire and pick up at the other end.

 

[Denton]

Let me know when you do it, maybe help out with transport as I live near Cirencester, or come along for a walk..

 

[Rachelc]

The house where George Michael was found backs onto.

Yes that's in Goring on Thames, there is a fantastic pub there called the Catherine Wheel that George Michael frequented, nice spot for some lunch.

We walked there from `Pangbourne not long after he died, the shrine that was there was something else. Fans were visiting just for photographs.

 

[Ginster]

Let me know when you do it, maybe help out with transport as I live near Cirencester, or come along for a walk..

I think I'll do the first bit in day trips from home as buses etc are a bit few and far between, but when I have dates, I'll give you a shout in case you're free to join me Thanks

 

[buttons]

Yes that's in Goring on Thames, there is a fantastic pub there called the Catherine Wheel that George Michael frequented, nice spot for some lunch.

We walked there from `Pangbourne not long after he died, the shrine that was there was something else. Fans were visiting just for photographs.

Another one is the village of Turville where the vicar of dibliey was made. Just ten mins from Marlow.

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[DigglyDog]

How about doing the Thames Path Challenge and raise some money for your favourite charity ?
I did this one a few years ago, 100 km in 20 hours - you miss some of the spectacle when walking through the night and it gets a bit narrow and foggy in places, but I wouldn't have missed it for the world.

 

[Ginster]

How about doing the Thames Path Challenge and raise some money for your favourite charity ?
I did this one a few years ago, 100 km in 20 hours - you miss some of the spectacle when walking through the night and it gets a bit narrow and foggy in places, but I wouldn't have missed it for the world.

I did a 30 mile cross country run from Wookey Hole to Weston-super-Mare for Weston Hospicecare when I was a bit (lot!) younger and fitter, think your one is a bit beyond me plus I'm hoping to be in France in September, maybe 2022 for the shorter distance