Thames Path
~14 days · 185 mi · moderate · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Thames Path is known for
The Thames Path National Trail follows England’s best-known river from Thames Head in the Cotswolds to the Thames Barrier at Woolwich. This whole-trail itinerary follows the main line of OpenStreetMap relation 14519665 (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), clipped at the official National Trail finish; official sectioning and length are published by National Trails.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 0 ft to 1,175 ft over 185 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 0.0 mi · 0%
- Downhill 0.0 mi · 0%
- Flat 184.4 mi · 100%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Thames Path?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Thames Path scores 28/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Thames Path take?
Most backpackers hike the Thames Path in about 14 days (13 nights out) over its 185 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Thames Path?
The Thames Path climbs roughly 433 ft total — about 2 ft per mile, topping out near 358 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.