Conquering the Thames Path .... Almost

It was a year ago on the 9th of April, 2004, that we started. After purchasing a copy of David Sharp's "The Thames Path" we began walking. We have now walked a total of 13 days, 152 miles in 8 outings and find ourselves in Greater London with two days and about 30 miles left to the Thames barrier. It all began during a four day extended weekend. The first initial walks required taking two cars, parking at either end of the walk. This took some careful planning and committment to where we would end our walks. We are now only limited by where the trains stop.

Pictures follow show the Thames head near Kemble, the mile marker a few miles along the walk, and Old Father Thames, all seen in the first four days of our walk. We started at a slow pace. Our first day walk was 7 miles long; now we are up to 17 miles a day on our last two walks. This has been a real challenge to my feet and legs, but is a testament to the fact that I have gained my walking legs.

Walking along the Thames has provided us many pictures, many fine views, and experiences of places in England otherwise missed. In the earlier parts of the walk, we met characters along the way that wanted to share our journey. In two villages, we had personal tours of historical churches by elderly women caretakers. We saw bits of English history, old Roman ruins, multiple locks and bridges, small communities, beautiful wild flowers, and multiple river views.

It has provided hours of togetherness, as well as lovely solitude. We have walked up to six hours at a time through all types of weather. Now as we are nearing the end, and have less than a days walk till we enter the London most tourists know, with another day then to the barrier, I feel excitement, but also some sadness that this walk will be coming to an end.