_cropped.jpg "Eysey between Cricklade and Castle Eaton © Jos Joslin")
This section is 11 miles (17.5km) long - a map of it can be downloaded below.
Leaving Cricklade you follow the still small river as far as the village of Castle Eaton with its lovely 12th century church. From here the Thames Path is away from the river for a while keeping to tracks, bridleways until it reaches Upper Inglesham. NB The next section between Upper Inglesham and Inglesham is best negotiated by taxi or bus. Nearest taxis are in Lechlade, call either 01367 252575 or 01367 253424. Or flag down bus services 64 or 74 heading north on the A361 at Upper Inglesham and take them to Lechlade. There are several bus services each day except Sunday when there are none. Visit traveline or call them on 0871 200 2233 for up to date information.
Walkers can choose to walk along the 1 mile of A361 but the speed limit is 60mph, there's one blind bend and the road has to be crossed at the start and finish. Part of this stretch does have a pavement but elsewhere there is a grass verge on the east side of the road which is narrow in places. Managers of the Thames Path are actively working with landowners to provide the final route of the Thames Path closer to the river so make sure you follow the signs on the ground as the map here may be out of date
Historic church
It's a pleasure to reach Inglesham, especially to visit the small atmospheric church of St John the Baptist just a short way from the Thames Path. Sympathetically restored by William Morris, the 19th century poet and craftsman who lived at Kelmscott just a few miles downstream, the church is delightfully unaltered from previous centuries.
Waterways
At Inglesham the River Coln joins the Thames, and the Thames and Severn Canal leaves it. Boats last used the canal built to carry barges to Stroud in 1927 although enthusiasts are keen to restore it. The Round House here was the unusual quarters of the lock-keeper - horses were stabled on the ground floor with people living above.
Lechlade
The small prosperous Cotswold town of Lechlade is reached by leaving the Thames Path at Ha'penny Bridge, a lovely old stone toll bridge still with its small toll house. But don't worry, you won't need to delve in your pockets to find the halfpenny toll since this was removed after a local revolt in 1839!
