Cycling
There are many great cycle paths and biking routes near the River Thames. So dust off your bike and get cycling today!
Although you can't cycle much of the Thames Path as most of it is a public footpath, there are some nice parts where you can. These are shown in the table below which includes other sections that are not on the Thames Path.
The National Cycle Network - routes four and five - take you next to the river for short periods before leading you to other scenic areas of the countryside.
For a list of cycling leaflets, books and maps covering the Thames Valley, visit the Sustrans webite or call 0845 113 0065.
| Location (Grid reference) | Distance |
|---|---|
| Godstow Bridge (SP 48396 09201) to Oxford Ring Road A4142 (SP 52484 03223) | 5 Miles |
| *Oxford Ring Road A4142 (SP 52484 03223) to Kennington Rail Bridge (SP 52408 02769) | 600 Metres |
| Coombe Bank, Thames Promenade (SU 69808 74979) to Caversham Bridge (SU 71135 74555) | 0.9 Miles |
| ***Hills Meadow, Caversham (SU 71356 74530) to Reading Bridge (SU 71799 74092) | 0.5 Miles |
| **Reading Bridge (SU 71599 74235) to Thames Valley Park (SU 73529 73971) | 1.9 Miles |
| Thames Valley Park (SU 73529 73971) to Sonning (SU 75494 75721) | 0.7 Miles |
| **Dorney Reach (SU 91682 78670) (Access to footbridge) | 120 Metres |
| Boveney (SU 94468 77816) to Eton (SU 94935 77986) | 0.8 Miles |
| **Staines Railway Bridge (TQ 03621 71256) to Laleham (TQ 64948 68504) | 2.4 Miles |
| **Shepperton Ferry (TQ 07511 65756) to Teddington Lock (TQ 16776 71557) | 11 Miles |
** National Cycle Network, Route 4
*** Not a section of the Thames Path
There are detailed maps available on the Thames Path, National Trail website These show the routes listed above that follow the river as well as other sections where cycling is permitted along the Thames Path.
Rules when cycling by the River Thames
It’s great fun to cycle along the Thames, but don’t forget that there are some rules that you should follow to make it enjoyable for you and others.
- Walkers always have priority on riverside paths, so please be thoughtful to them and others. Use a bell and ring it twice when approaching a walker. Be aware that some people may have hearing problems and may not hear your bell.
- Riverside paths aren't suitable for cycling fast. If you are in a hurry, use an alternative route.
- Extra care should be taken when passing less able people, children and animals.
- Cycling is not allowed through lock gardens. There may be other places where cycling is banned.
- It is generally easier to cycle alongside the river downstream from Maidenhead and in the urban areas of Reading and Oxford. In London, side roads and borough council tracks should be followed east of Putney Bridge where the towpath stops. Upstream from Maidenhead, stiles, gates and difficult surfaces make it more difficult to cycle.
- Motorcycling on the Thames towpath is a criminal offence and is not allowed on public footpaths, bridleways and byways.