Cycling Along The River Thames

There are many great cycle paths and biking routes near the River Thames. So dust off your bike and get cycling today!

Although you can't cycle much of the Thames Path National Trail as most of it is a public footpath which it’s often very narrow between the River Thames and fields or houses, there are some nice parts where you can. These are shown in the table below which includes other sections that are not on the Thames Path.  The Thames Path National Trail is not a long distance route for cyclists. However there are some sections of the Thames Path outside London which cyclists can use - the longest section being the 5.4 miles (8.7 km) through Oxford and the 5.8 miles (9.4 Km) from Weybridge to Hampton Court. See the interactive map for more information on cycling.

NOTE: Most of the Thames Path is a public footpath on which cyclists have no legal right to ride unless they have permission from the landowners - cycling without permission is a trespass offence against landowners. If you choose to cycle by the river, please be aware it is a potentially dangerous activity. The Highway Code for Cyclists Rule 64 states you must not cycle on pavements, this includes Public Footpaths.
 

The National Cycle Network

Sustrans includes sections of the Thames Path in several of its routes

Outside London

• Thames Valley Cycle Route between Oxford and London 99 miles (159km)
• In Oxford you can cycle for 5.4 miles (8.7km) beside the River Thames through the city. 
• You can cycle between Teddington Lock and Weybridge for10 mile (16km) 
• Reading to Windsor (Route 4) is 31 miles (50km) - This attractive route follows the River Thames and passes through Sonning, Maidenhead and Cookham. You will also go through Eton - home of the famous school for boys - just before arriving at Windsor with its famous castle.
• Reading to Oxford (Route 5), 35 miles (56km) - takes you next to the river for short periods before leading you to other scenic areas of the countryside.
• There are a few exceptions, where the Thames Path is marked as Public Bridleway. For example: between Pangbourne and Goring where the Thames Path is part of the King Alfred’s Way off-road cycle route.
• For information on cycling in the Chilterns including areas along the Thames Path visit the Chilterns National Landscape.

In London

Sustrans has several London routes, two on the Thames Path:

• Tower Bridge to Greenwich (route 4) Distance: 4.7 miles (7.6 km) - Starting from the iconic Tower Bridge, this section of National Route 4 weaves around the River Thames through various parks to the Cutty Sark at Greenwich.
• Hampton Court to Putney (route 4) A distance of 12 miles (19km) starting from Hampton Court Palace and following the Thames from Kingston you will cycle past Teddington Lock and The London Wetland Centre, a great place to stop and explore. Then through Richmond Park and joins the Thames Path again at Putney. Safer Rideing Guide for cycling in Richmond Park. Why not start in Putney and end up at the glorious Hampton Court Palace? Get lost in the maze, tour the beautiful gardens and relive Tudor England at its best.

Some London boroughs allow cycling along specific sections of the Thames Path. This may be on segregated surfaces to keep walkers and cyclists safe.
Cycling safely in London:
The London Cycle campaign has a cycling journey planner, choose for example a quiet or a fast route.
Transport for London
Visit London has traveller information for getting around London on cycle paths
 

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