Thames path
Thames path
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 ?
Re: Thames path
I ve only done from Windsor to Dartford. The bits near Windsor hard for bikes, too narrow as it is a PATH for walkers.
- simonineaston
- Posts: 8076
- Joined: 9 May 2007, 1:06pm
- Location: ...at a cricket ground
Re: Thames path
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...
Having said that, it was loverly...
S
(on the look out for Armageddon, on board a Brompton nano & ever-changing Moultons)
(on the look out for Armageddon, on board a Brompton nano & ever-changing Moultons)
-
- Posts: 2928
- Joined: 11 Jan 2007, 12:20pm
Re: Thames path
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.
But then I don't see the appeal of off road cycling anyway.
“I'm not upset that you lied to me, I'm upset that from now on I can't believe you.”
― Friedrich Nietzsche
― Friedrich Nietzsche
Re: Thames path
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.
The hurrier I go, the behinder I get
Re: Thames path
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.
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…)
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…)
- moultoneer
- Posts: 76
- Joined: 6 Aug 2007, 12:59pm
Re: Thames path
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.
Re: Thames path
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.
It covers both banks from the Thames Barrier heading east.
High on a cocktail of flossy teacakes and marmalade
-
- Posts: 2035
- Joined: 2 Mar 2008, 4:57pm
- Location: Charlbury, Oxfordshire
Re: Thames path
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
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
And downstream of Reading you can follow NCN 4 all the way.
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
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
And downstream of Reading you can follow NCN 4 all the way.
cycle.travel - maps, journey-planner, route guides and city guides
Re: Thames path
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
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
And downstream of Reading you can follow NCN 4 all the way.
RF, thank you, exceptionally helpful.
-
- Posts: 2928
- Joined: 11 Jan 2007, 12:20pm
Re: Thames path
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
“I'm not upset that you lied to me, I'm upset that from now on I can't believe you.”
― Friedrich Nietzsche
― Friedrich Nietzsche
-
- Posts: 2275
- Joined: 5 Jan 2007, 7:08pm
- Location: Worcestershire
- Contact:
Re: Thames path
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.
There is your way. There is my way. But there is no "the way".
Re: Thames path
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.
There are some stunning sections around Bradford on Avon.
Re: Thames path
Many thanks to you all -- very helpful.