Begin with a walk to the source of the Thames near Cirencester in the Cotswolds and follow the trickling waterway as it threads its way through the quiet water meadows of the Upper Thames wilderness – remote and beautiful, wildlife aplenty. Pause in the heart of bustling historic towns – Oxford with its backwaters, ancient colleges and their boathouses, Henley and its energetic rowing eights and Marlow’s wide weir as you leave the steeply wooded Chiltern hills where scandalous affairs took place at Cliveden House.

Threading its course through history and royalty, the river provides you close up opportunities to discover the sights and smells of quintessential England. Take in the unsung but very English details that line the river banks, the quirks of locks and ailing footbridges, the wildlife and private docks to discover an England most tourists rarely see.

Royalty looms large in Windsor, enjoy the Castle, even walk through its grounds and then unravel more history at Runnymede before the grandness of Hampton Court Palace and the houses of Royal mistresses you can visit in Richmond. Enjoy remnants of the Wardrobe room at Richmond Palace and the world renowned Botanic gardens at Kew which houses a further palace.

All this before you reach the heart of London via a thrilling route under all those famous bridges either by foot or by boat. The final leg to the Thames Barrier reveals the oldest history of London with its wharves and docks, historic pubs and unsung landmarks of England’s rich history.

The Carter Company have added stays in luxury boutique hotels or characterful inns with private transfers where needed at the start and end of each day.

To find out more about this itinerary and make an enquiry or a booking, click on the Enquire Now button at the top of the page to visit The Carter Company’s website.

This itinerary has been created by The Carter Company, who specialise in classic and luxury self-guided walking holidays in the UK and Europe. The Carter Company prides itself on booking superior accommodation in quality hotels and boutique B&B’s, and drawing on unrivalled local knowledge to provide real ‘insiders’ tours.

The Carter Company will meet you at the start of the tour, move your luggage and provide support 24/7. Your personal Adventure Handbook gives you Insider tips and easy route navigation downloadable to your phone with a waterproof cell phone holder on a lanyard for you to keep. Enjoy a personalised Tour Essentials document with all important logistical details and a Thames Path guidebook.

Tailor-made holidays are our specialty so contact us through our website to discuss all the options and possibilities.

To find out more about this itinerary and make an enquiry or a booking, click on the Enquire Now button at the top of the page to visit The Carter Company’s website.