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Holidays

Self-Guided Walking: The Thames Path. Kemble to Oxford

England
Walk & Trek
Self-Guided
LEISURELY LEISURELY

Follow England’s greatest river from its source in the Cotswolds to the dreaming spires of Oxford on this short self-guided walking break

Trip Code: MTP6
Holiday Grades
          

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

 1 - 3 LEISURELY
1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

Self-Guided Walking: The Thames Path. Kemble to Oxford

Highlights
  • Beloved by walkers since its opening as a National Trail in 1996, this section of the Thames Path links the Cotswolds to Oxford
  • Expect water meadows lush with flowers and wildlife and honey coloured Cotswold villages
  • A pathway rich in the heritage of England’s greatest river and trading route for centuries
  • Expand your itinerary by a day and enjoy extra time to explore the dreaming spires of the city of Oxford
  • Extensive route notes, recommendations for local meals, daily luggage transfers and B&B in local guesthouses included in the holiday price

At a Glance
  • Self-guided
  • 5 days walking
  • Average of 18 km per day walking
  • Packed lunches available on request
  • Recommendations for excellent local meals
  • Join In Kemble / Ends Oxford

Accommodation & Meals
  • 6 Breakfasts
  • 6 nights Guesthouse
Overview

The Thames Path became a National Trail in 1996 and was instantly beloved by walkers. This is five days walking with a real sense of remoteness and rural tranquillity as the Thames winds its way through flat water meadows grazed by cattle or sheep, or fields of crops. You’ll pass from the golden-stoned hamlets of the Cotswolds to the fabled university town of Oxford’s stunning skyline. 


Once the most significant trading river in England, the heritage of centuries of wealth are apparent as you walk thorough historic towns and villages and peaceful water meadows abundant with wildlife. Starting from a tiny trickle at Kemble (in summer this may even be a dry bed for a short distance) the river will slowly grow in size at it meanders through the Cotswolds until you reach St John’s lock, the furthest upstream lock on the Thames. This is the first of many you will encounter and you’ll be able to watch numerous boats negotiate the locks on your journey. As you approach Oxford, you’ll find Swinford Bridge built in 1770 for the Earl of Abingdon and one of only two remaining privately owned bridges on the river. Finally you’ll cross Port Meadow a bucolic open pasture with its stunning views of Oxford and its spires. This is a charming short self-guided break of river walking and dreaming towns and villages. 


The trip includes all accommodation, breakfast and full luggage support meaning you can travel light and concentrate on the lovely scenery and historic sites.  


This is just one of 11 itineraries we offer including the entire 300 km route. Please bear in mind that the distances each day are trail distances only. They do not take into account walking to your accommodation. On some days the accommodation might be on or close to the trail but on other days you may need to walk one or two kms to get to your overnight stop.

Is this holiday for you?

Of the UK National trails we cover, this is one of the easiest. It is a gentle trail which is suitable for people with a wide range of abilities. The route journeys across obvious broad promenades to grassy paths.

Terrain: Mostly flat with well defined paths.

What’s it like underfoot? You may be walking on an obvious trail, path or p …

Of the UK National trails we cover, this is one of the easiest. It is a gentle trail which is suitable for people with a wide range of abilities. The route journeys across obvious broad promenades to grassy paths.

Terrain: Mostly flat with well defined paths.

What’s it like underfoot? You may be walking on an obvious trail, path or pavement and occasionally on a path across a field just visible in the grass. The terrain when dry is often compact and easy going, however, when wet it can be muddy in sections.

How much up and down? If you start at the source the route spends the majority of the walk losing height.

Signposting: Good signposting, signs are marked with a white acorn to indicate the National Trail.

Navigation: Pretty straightforward, keep your map and guidebook to hand.

Why KE?

We operate this trip in collaboration with our sister company Mickledore Travel, which is also based in Keswick in the Lake District. Mickledore have a long tradition of operating self-guided walking holidays along some of the finest trails in England, Scotland and Wales. Route notes, maps, luggage transfers and bed & breakfast accommodation in the best B&Bs, guesthouses and inns along the way are all included. Recommendations are also made for the best places to find delicious local meals at each night stop. 

Mickledore have a near perfect customer satisfaction score (99%), and we have no doubt that you will find their knowledgeable and friendly team able to answer even the most detailed of questions.

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