The Oxfordshire Thames Path - UK

The Oxfordshire Thames Path runs for 184 miles, from the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire, winding through Oxfordshire, to eventually end in London.

The 51 miles of the path from Oxford to Henley-on-Thames contains some of the most striking riverside scenery in the country so why not experience it by taking a walk along that stretch.

Start your trip at 1 Folly Bridge in Oxford, where you could hire a punt from 1 Salter's Steamers to explore the Thames.  The quintessentially English tradition of punting has been taking place in the city of 'Dreaming Spires' since 1880 and is a popular pastime for students, local Oxonians and tourists alike.

Enjoy strolling along the 9.7 miles of the river from Oxford to Abingdon. This stretch will take you past 2 Christ Church's expansive meadows, through the picturesque villages of 3 lffley and 4 Sandford-on-Thames.  Keep walking, and from afar you'll be able to see the handsome 5 Nuneham House, and a few miles further on you will arrive a 6 Abingdon Lock.

Dating back to before the Iron Age, Abingdon is England's oldest, continuously occupied town and a great place to stop for a rest or explore, if you're in need of food, then the 7 Nag's Head, situated on the
Nag's Island, halfway across Abingdon Bridge, is recommended for both its food and views of the River Thames.

To discover more about the town's history, the 8 Abingdon County Hall Museum is a worth a visit. The beautifully restored building houses exhibitions detailing the town's history from the Iron Age to its recent industrial past as the home of the MG car. A short walk back t the River Thames will take you past 9 Abingdon Marina and back onto the Thames Path.

It is 13.4 miles from Abingdon to Wallingford, a journey you could continue to make on foot.  Alternatively you could enjoy the river by taking a Salter' Steamers river cruise' which would take you past 10 Dorchester Abbey and 11 Wittenham Clumps (a pair of chalk hills with fantastic views of the Oxfordshire countryside), before you arrive in Wallingford.

The market town of Wallingford will be recognised by any fan of Midsomer Murders, as it is often used as the fictional town of Causton.  See the ruins of 12 Wallingford Castle and make sure you cross the 900 foot medieval stone bridge that connects Wallingford to 13 Crowmarsh Gifford.

From Wallingford, one adventurous option would be to travel the rest of the route to Henley by kayak or canoe.  You can contact Henley Canoe Hire in advance and they will drop off your canoes or kayaks in Wallingford. You could then spend two days travelling the 27.1 miles down the river to arrive at Henley. Stop overnight at Mapledurham - where you can camp in the grounds of the stately home, 14
Mapledurham House"

Alternatively you could continue walking the route, again stopping overnight at Mapledurham, with Salter's Steamers offering river cruises from Wallingford to Reading, and Reading to Henley-on-Thames should you appreciate a rest."

Henley-on-Thames is best known for the annual 15 Henley Royal Regatta, the most famous rowing regatta in the world. If you happen to be walking the Thames Path between the 28 June and the 2nd July, you will be able to enjoy this great sporting and social event.  Visitors at other times of the year won't be disappointed as the town has plenty more to offer including the River and Rowing Museum, and great shops and restaurants.

www.experienceoxfordshire.org