Try a long-distance footpath

Thames Path

Where does it go? From the source of the Thames in the Cotswolds to the Thames Barrier near Greenwich in London

What's on the way? Winding its way beside the Thames, from a trickle to a major shipping route, the path begins in peaceful water meadows with unspoilt rural tranquillity, passing through historic Oxford and pretty waterfronts such as Henley and Marlow. From Teddington in Surrey to the Isle of Dogs, you can walk on the south or north bank, or switch using 16 bridges, passing famous attractions such as the London Eye, Westminster and Tate Modern. Greenwich, to the east, boasts many naval and royal connections, with sights of its own, such as the Royal Observatory. On to the Thames Barrier the landscape becomes more industrial

How long is it? 184 miles

Tell me more: A 10-mile extension opened in 2001 from the Thames Barrier to Crayford marshes, to connect with the London Loop. www.nationaltrail.co.uk/Thamespath/. To see a map of your chosen area online, click here for the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map Service

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