Start your Thames Path summer here, with Stephen Neale’s new book ‘The Thames Path 1,000 mini adventures along England’s only river-based National Trail’ published by Bloomsbury.
Stephen’s deep knowledge of the Thames Path and experiences of using a packraft to paddle on the River Thames guide us through the countryside of flowering meadows and historic cities.
He creates Stepping Stones and Detours to discover hidden wildlife refuges and historic buildings, gentle backwaters and towering woods.
‘Detours are places within a short walk, paddle or cycle of the main path…inviting you to step off the beaten track and follow your curiosity.’
These mini-adventures include paddling the Thames Serpent at Duxford and revelling in the ‘white and green’ chalk landscapes from the Goring Gap to Maidenhead.
Stephen’s passion for the natural world encourages us to pause: spend a few moments listening to the whispering of poplar leaves; touching grass, water and trees; breathing deeply and watching the river as it changes in sunlight and showers.
12 Wonders of the Thames Path invite us to explore the riverside trail guided by seasonal cycles of equinox and solstice combined with visceral elements of Air, Earth, Water and Fire.
The book is full of good advice about where to access the river with a packraft, cafes and pubs for refreshments, and nature reserves to visit, each with their OS coordinates.
For a day out in Cricklade or Kingston, Henley or Hampton Court, take Stephen’s book to guide you into timeless adventures of discovery.
