Tue 02 July; Last Leg Cricklade to the Source

Planning for an early getaway we had breakfast delivered to our room the previous night. We were able to hit the road at 6:55 am - a record for us. No boats come this far and very quickly we see the Thames much reduced in size but still a healthy looking clear stream. Bridge at Cricklade:

At the end here the river passes under someone’s garden wall: 

This is the only section we have seen with stepping stones.


We made some navigational errors today and strayed a bit from the true path, but righted the wrong after consulting the compass, maps, guidebook, and gnashing of teeth. We put the mistake down to excavation works and missing signposts etc.

The wide section here is one of many lakes formed from sand and gravel extraction. Some seem to be reserved for fishing. They are close to but appear not to be directly connected to the river.


We eventually found the official plaque marking the « Source ». The pile of rubble surrounds a hole from whence the mighty Thames flows, but not today.  


We backtracked for 1/2 hour and found a pub next to Kemble Station for a drink and a sandwich which was delicious. We snaffled it up and made it to the station to catch the 2:29 express to Reading and then changing for Maidenhead. A very quick journey indeed - over in 1 hr 16 mins, a quick taxi to our accommodation at the River Arts Club (below) where our suitcases and clean clothes awaited us.Taxi ordered for trip to Heathrow at 7:00 am when we fly to Aberdeen.

Conclusion: a long flat walk, relatively easy if only we were younger. A great way to see many old villages & towns. It is possible to find good food on the way, but sadly easy to find not-so-good food. Lots of nice scenery, and it is fascinating to see all the activity focussed on one river.

The End of The Thames Path. Tomorrow - Scotland