Thames path

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paieye
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Thames path

Post by paieye »

One of my usual cycling-holiday companions is suggesting that this autumn we cycle along the Thames path from West to East, starting near its source in the region of Fairford. Has anyone tried that, and, if so, what are the pluses and minuses ?
mercalia
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Re: Thames path

Post by mercalia »

I ve only done from Windsor to Dartford. The bits near Windsor hard for bikes, too narrow as it is a PATH for walkers.
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simonineaston
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Re: Thames path

Post by simonineaston »

I used to use the stretch between Oxford and Abingdon for my commute and although it was certainly manageable, it wasn't particularly easy - I was a very laid-back commuter! Narrow and rutted in the summer, muddy in the wet and rather indirect in the way meandering rivers are.
Having said that, it was loverly... :-)
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axel_knutt
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Re: Thames path

Post by axel_knutt »

I've walked between Radcot and Pangbourne, and it's not something I would want to cycle: narrow, muddy, limboing under trees, stiles, flight of steps.....

But then I don't see the appeal of off road cycling anyway.
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skicat
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Re: Thames path

Post by skicat »

At least one section between Maidenhead and Windsor is for walkers only. I think there is a section near Chertsey like that as well but I only noticed after I had cycled almost to the end of it.
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paieye
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Re: Thames path

Post by paieye »

Thank you all, very helpful.
Mistik-ka
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Re: Thames path

Post by Mistik-ka »

Having walked the Thames Path from the source to London, I must say I agree that it's not an enticing prospect for cycling, even on those sections where cycling is permitted. However I think there's an absolutely brilliant bike trip to be had (devised) on the country lanes that border the Thames, through lovely old villages and beautiful countryside … with visits to some great pubs. :wink:

If we hadn't already explored the region thoroughly on foot I would be planning such a bike trip myself, but there's so much of Britain we haven't see yet. (So much to see, so little time…)
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moultoneer
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Re: Thames path

Post by moultoneer »

You can cycle along the Jubilee River (a man-made relief river) between Maidenhead and Windsor. Quite a good surface and designed to accommodate bikes as well as pedestrians.
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gaz
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Re: Thames path

Post by gaz »

2008 Survey for a Thames Estuary foot/cycle path: http://www.thamesweb.com/component/docm ... ?Itemid=61

It covers both banks from the Thames Barrier heading east.
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Richard Fairhurst
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Re: Thames path

Post by Richard Fairhurst »

The upper reaches are almost all footpath only - i.e. no bikes.

That said, I had a lovely ride a few years back along lanes from Lechlade to Oxford - and yes, you can go through the river at Duxford, as long as it's not in spate: http://cycle.travel/map/journey/7583

Image

From Oxford to Wallingford, you can follow NCN 5.

From Wallingford to Reading, I've long been tempted to do this, but haven't tried it yet: http://cycle.travel/map/journey/7584

Image

And downstream of Reading you can follow NCN 4 all the way.
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paieye
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Re: Thames path

Post by paieye »

Richard Fairhurst wrote:The upper reaches are almost all footpath only - i.e. no bikes.

That said, I had a lovely ride a few years back along lanes from Lechlade to Oxford - and yes, you can go through the river at Duxford, as long as it's not in spate: http://cycle.travel/map/journey/7583

Image

From Oxford to Wallingford, you can follow NCN 5.

From Wallingford to Reading, I've long been tempted to do this, but haven't tried it yet: http://cycle.travel/map/journey/7584

Image

And downstream of Reading you can follow NCN 4 all the way.


RF, thank you, exceptionally helpful.
axel_knutt
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Re: Thames path

Post by axel_knutt »

Richard Fairhurst wrote:From Wallingford to Reading, I've long been tempted to do this


Be prepared for some steps:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/maggiejon ... 4213805411
https://www.flickr.com/photos/maggiejon ... 4213805411
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bikepacker
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Re: Thames path

Post by bikepacker »

My wife and I did it the other way a few years back, apart from the history of some of the places there was not a lot to commend it. After Windsor we got bored with the river and moved on to roads that closely followed the river. Unless it is a wet summer you may well find the source at Thames Head to be dried up. At best it is only a spring.
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jimt
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Re: Thames path

Post by jimt »

I too have walked from the source to Thames barrier and much isn't suitable for cycling. You can pick up National Cycle Route 4 in Reading at the confluence with the Kennet. As an alternative you could do NCR4 from , say Bath. I've done Reading to Bath on the tow path. Generally speaking , where NCR4 takes to country lanes its with good reason - the tow path being too narrow or rutted to make safe, comfortable riding. An example is the stretch from Marsh Benham to Hungerford: on foot a pleasant walk, on a bike its like riding cobbles because of tree roots.

There are some stunning sections around Bradford on Avon.
paieye
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Re: Thames path

Post by paieye »

Many thanks to you all -- very helpful.
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