How difficult is it?
The Thames Path is a gentle Trail, suitable for people with a wide range of abilities.
It is mainly flat, with just a few natural slopes. Many places along it can be accessed by people with limited mobility such as users of wheelchairs or mobility scooters, parents with pushchairs or those using a walking stick. In recent years most of the stiles along the Trail have been replaced with gates. However there are still structures which may be barriers for many people with reduced mobility.
How long does it take to walk the Thames Path?
The Trail is 185.2miles (298 km) long. As a guide, using roughly 15 miles/24 Km a day as an average daily walking distance, the Trail can be completed in 14 days allowing for a couple of days’ rest. However it’s important to walk at the pace that suits you, allowing time for exploring and relaxing, and there is no pressure to do it quickly – the Thames Path is there for you to enjoy, and doesn’t have to be a route march! You don’t have to walk it all in one go of course, you can dip in for half or a full day’s walk or complete is section at a time.
Is the River Thames the longest river in the UK?
The River Thames is not the longest river in the United Kingdom. That honour goes to the River Severn, however, the Thames is probably the most well- known.
Where can I experience the wild stretches of the Trail ?
National Trail volunteer Dick Mayon White and Wendy Yorke’s book Exploring the Thames wilderness, is full of walks on the wild side of the Thames. The River Thames is an often undiscovered haven of stunning scenery, wonderful wildlife and brilliant natural beauty. As well as the famous stretches passing through our biggest cities and towns, there is a hidden side to the river – wild and natural, but surprisingly accessible. This guidebook, compiled by the two major Thames charities, contains a wealth of information on over 150 of the best places to explore the real Thames wilderness, along with enjoyable walks and activities along its course.
How accessible is the Thames Path National Trail?
Being an outdoor footpath which is paved in places, but natural in others, it is difficult to say that the Thames Path is ‘fully accessible.’ We have now removed most stiles on the trail and replaced them with accessible gates. Work continues to make the trail accessible to more people. Our Access for all page brings together access information about all the National Trails including easy access walks and sources of further information.
