Thames Path - Source to London - Kemble to Cricklade - Day 1 of 12

Day 1 of 12 of an epic walking adventure through some of England's most beautiful countryside and incredible history. A walk that covers 186 miles from the source of the river in Gloucestershire to the Thames Barrier in the east of London via historic towns of Oxford, Henley and Royal Windsor to name a few.


Thursday 28th March Kemble to Cricklade Day One

We were very excited and looking forward to being back on the road with our rucksacks on. We booked the trip the day before, after checking the weather forecast for the next ten days. We had previously read the guide books and studied the path. We then booked the first 3 nights of accommodation and the train from Manchester to Kemble.

Leaving home in Manchester at 6.45am, and after catching 5 trains, (the cheapest way), we arrived in Kemble at 12.30pm, having eaten our sandwiches on the train. There is a village shop in the Post Office in Kemble (turn right at the station and walk for 5 minutes, closed between one and two), where we bought a large bottle of water. Other food we had already. Food and drink are also available to purchase there.

To start the walk we decided to turn left from the station and walk down the road to take a look at the Thames Head Pub which is located on the A433, the old Roman Fosse Way. We took photos, then turned left after the pub down a footpath leading to the Thames Way. If you are arriving later it is possible to stay at the Thames Head, then begin the walk in the morning.

http://www.thamesheadinn.co.uk/

After about one mile we saw the marker post (signed by an Acorn, symbol of the National Trails) for the source of the river, and a sign for the Thames Path, 184 miles to the Thames Barrier, very exciting. When we reached the source, as it had been dry there was no sign of any water. We started the walk through the fields over the road until we came to Lyd Well. This is a natural spring with lots of water bubbling up, marked by a copse of trees and the retaining wall of a pond. To me this was the true start of the river. This is well worth a close inspection. We continued for many miles following the now obvious river, with beautiful clear water, insects flying, and plenty of bird song. We passed the village of Somerford Keynes where the Bakers Arms pub can be found.

http://www.thebakersarmssomerford.co.uk/

The path continues through the very picturesque Cotswold Water Park. This consists of 140 lakes formed by old gravel pits filling with water. Again more birdsong, we spotted Heron, Swans, Ducks and Moorhens. Arriving in Ashton Keynes, we made a small detour to the village shop for more drinks. There is one pub The White Hart, with very limited restaurant hours.

https://www.thewhitehartashtonkeynes....

After a 14 mile walk, we arrived in Cricklade at 6.30pm just before the sunset (this being March). It had certainly been a fantastic day of travel and walking through the beautiful peaceful countryside, with perfect Spring weather. We met only one other couple out walking, who had spent a week walking from Oxford to the river source. (The other way to us). We checked into the White Hart pub which we had booked the day before, visiting Tesco Express opposite to buy sandwiches for dinner. There are plenty of pubs and restaurants and take-outs in Cricklade, but having been up since 6am we wanted to relax in the hotel room instead.

https://www.thewhitehartcricklade.co.uk/

Distance km 21.10

Duration of Walk Hours 5.15

Average Pace Min/km 14.54

Steps 33651