This month is all about exploration, were calling it 'Beyond the Bend, because sometimes we can miss a joyful moment or beautiful view because we stopped in the familiar. If you brave a new section of the trail, go beyond the bend, all sorts of wonders can occur!
Every regular walker has their favourite hidden gem along the Thames Path. These are the places that rarely feature in guidebooks but often leave the strongest memories.
One such spot can be found near Lechlade, where a small riverside clearing offers uninterrupted views across grazing meadows and winding water channels. It's the perfect place to sit quietly and watch the world go by.
Another secret treasure lies behind the main pathway near Pangbourne, where a short detour reveals a hidden backwater alive with dragonflies during summer months.
In Surrey, tucked between busier stretches, are peaceful inlets where kingfishers dart across the water in flashes of brilliant blue. Many walkers pass by without ever noticing these magical moments.
The beauty of the Thames Path is that everyone discovers their own secret spot. Sometimes it's an old riverside bench, an ancient oak tree, a hidden viewpoint, or simply a quiet bend in the river. The best secret places are often found when we slow down and look a little closer.
