Walking In The Cotswolds

The Thames Path

The Thames Path follows the second longest river in England and walkers will travel 184 miles from the start at Thames Head to the finish at the Thames Barrier.

The river winds its way through the Cotswolds to Oxford, the "City of Spires" before turning southwards leaving the Cotswolds behind. Much of the route through this area can be accessed by car and public transport, although the section between Lechlade and Oxford is not well served by bus. The nearest rail stations are at Kemble, Swindon and Oxford.

There are several books available about the route and the official guide book, The Thames Path National Trail Guide by David Sharpe, published by Aurum Press, ISBN 1-85410-406-3 is available from many bookshops.

www.nationaltrails.gov.uk

Clean Up After Your Dog

Be sure to keep to the correct rights of way

Follow the coloured arrows that will guide you along the correct route. They can be found on gateposts, trees and stiles, they can be metal, plastic or painted, but always look around you to find them as the signs may be damaged or faded. All public footpaths on explorer maps are marked with a green dashed line and national trails and long distance paths are in green with diamond shapes linking the dashes.