Explore Thames Valley with Great Western Railway

Great adventures start here…

We’ve created a series of Rail Trails to explore the towns and villages along the River Thames.

The best way to explore the Thames Valley is on foot and The Thames Path stretches for 184 miles from the source of the Thames in the Cotswolds to the Thames Barrier in London. The route of the Thames is ‘liquid history’, the riverside locations have so many stories to tell. For those that love wildlife there is plenty to see alongside or nearby.

You can visit for the day and enjoy a walk or the delights of the towns and villages. Why not stay overnight and combine the best of both or walk a different way each day.

These Rail Trails offer a selection of walks and suggestions for places to stay and things to do. Many of the businesses included in the Trails will provide special offers for Great Western Railway customers on production of a current ticket.

Seven Great Rail Trails

• Trail 1 Kemble to Cricklade (12 miles) - coming soon
• Trail 2 Oxford to Abingdon (9 miles or shorter) - coming soon
• Trail 3 Wallingford to Days Lock (8 miles) - Starting in the historic riverside town of Wallingford this walk covers an interesting section with beautiful and varied landscapes, and the option to discover Dorchester Abbey or The Wittenham Clumps.
• Trail 4 Reading to Shiplake (7 miles) - The route of the Thames Path is surprisingly quiet once Reading is left behind, you'll enjoy a landscape of gentle wooded hills and fine houses. From Sonning, with its lovely 18th century hump-backed bridge, the Trail narrows.
• Trail 5 Henley to Marlow Distance (9 miles) - This walk starts and finishes in attractive historic towns, offering plenty to do once you’ve finished your walk. The path has the backdrop of the Chiltern Hills and you may see a red kite or two.
• Trail 6 Staines to Windsor Distance (8 miles) - coming soon
• Trail 7 London South Bank Distance (7.7 miles) - The London South Bank section of the Thames Path National Trail offers an urban landscape full of wonderful views, internationally famous buildings, cobbled lanes, historic pubs and liquid history.

Special Offers for those travelling by train on production of relevant train ticket:

• Thames Rivercruise, Reading - Complimentary glass of prosecco with Afternoon Tea Cruise (book online) or tea and coffee on the scheduled trips (book online or pay on the day).
• River & Rowing Museum - 2FOR1
• Angel on the Bridge - (Oct-Mar) complimentary 1/2 pint of Brakspear, 125ml glass of house wine or a soft drink with any main course.

Travel by Train

www.gwr.com/destinations-and-events/top-destinations/thames-valley