This section is 16.4 miles (26.2km) long - a map of it can be downloaded below.
This is the longest section of the Thames Path following the ever-growing river as it slowly winds its way through the flat flood plain of the Thames Valley. It is wonderfully remote so if you want peace and quiet, large skies and long views, then this is the section to explore!
Countryside
Once you leave Lechlade behind, having paid your respects to Old Father Thames at St John's Lock the first lock on the river, you are amongst mixed farming. Many of the meadows are grazed by sheep or cattle, lots with hedges abundant with blackberries in late August and September. Beyond Tadpole Bridge the Thames Path goes through Chimney Meadows National Nature Reserve, a vast area of wildlife rich meadows managed by the local Wildlife Trust.
Bridges and locks
You pass the oldest bridge on the Thames at Radcot and others with fascinating names. There's Tadpole bridge, Old Man's bridge, Tenfoot bridge (although it's much wider than 10 feet) and finally Newbridge that is so new it dates from the 13th century!
This sections also has 6 of the 45 locks on the non-tidal Thames, all remote and with lovely gardens.
Refreshments
You'll be hard-pressed to find many villages close to the Path, but luckily there's the occasional road crossing with a welcoming pub, and at the finish at Newbridge a choice of pubs, one on each bank.
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