A Brief History of the Thames Path

The Thames Path is a 184-mile-long walking trail that follows the route of the old towing path, established during the Industrial Revolution when rivers and canals were the main routes for trading and moving goods. The path traces the River Thames from its source in Gloucestershire to the sea, allowing walkers to follow its winding course through countryside and city alike.

The origins of the Thames Path stretch back to the Thames Navigation Commission, which was responsible for managing the river from 1751. The Commission built a series of pound locks to improve navigation, transforming the Thames into a bustling waterway for trade. However, the arrival of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s railway in the mid-19th century drastically reduced the river’s importance for transportation, leading to the Commission’s dissolution in 1866. The Thames Conservancy took over, managing the river until 1909 when the tidal river section—known as the Tideway—was handed over to the Port of London Authority. The Conservancy remained responsible for the non-tidal Thames until 1974 when the Thames Water Authority replaced it. Since 1996, the Environment Agency has overseen the river’s management.

The idea of a long-distance walking path along the Thames gained momentum after the 1947 Hobhouse Committee on National Parks identified the old towing path as one of six potential recreational routes. The 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act laid the groundwork for creating these trails, but it would take several more decades of campaigning and coordination to bring the Thames Path into existence.

In 1962, the River Thames Society was formed, and one of its primary goals was to establish a public walkway along the entire length of the river, extending access beyond the traditional boundaries of the towing path. The real push began in 1973 when David Sharp, a dedicated volunteer with the Ramblers, met with the River Thames Society to discuss the possibility of creating a continuous Thames Walk. During this meeting, Sharp sketched a rough map of a possible route, laying the foundation for the campaign.

Over the next 23 years, Sharp and a team of volunteers from the Ramblers and the River Thames Society worked tirelessly to make the Thames Path a reality. They faced numerous challenges, including sections of the old towing path lost to erosion and areas where ferry services had long since disappeared. New footbridges had to be constructed in many places, and public access rights needed to be negotiated with landowners. One of the most challenging stretches was from Lechlade to the river’s source in Coates, Gloucestershire, where new public access had to be established.

Sharp coordinated a detailed survey of the entire proposed route, with Ramblers’ groups gathering data on the ground. This resulted in a comprehensive 44-page report demonstrating the feasibility of a continuous path, using existing bridges and identifying areas where new path sections could be created. Armed with this evidence, Sharp and his team lobbied local authorities and published a guide to the route in 1981, which helped to build public support for the project.

In 1984, the Countryside Commission conducted a feasibility study, and by 1989, the route of the Thames Path was officially approved as a long-distance footpath. Even then, much work remained, with local pressure groups, Ramblers, and the River Thames Society negotiating with landowners and planning authorities to secure public access for most of the 184-mile trail. After years of persistence, the Thames Path National Trail was finally opened on 24 July 1996, with a new guidebook written by David Sharp.

Looking back, Sharp reflected on the journey: “I’m proud and a little amazed. Twenty years ago, it just didn’t seem possible to get to this point with all the problems solved.” He later wrote that the project had become a personal passion: “I got hooked, and the Thames Walk became part of my life. I wanted it to happen. I wanted to see something in place that other people could enjoy.”

David Sharp passed away in April 2015 at the age of 89, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the Thames Path. A memorial bench dedicated to David and his wife Margaret now sits alongside the trail in Barnes, a fitting tribute to the man whose vision and determination helped bring this remarkable path into being.

Today, the Thames Path is managed by a small team based at Oxfordshire County Council, who oversee maintenance, repairs, and legal issues. Volunteers play a vital role in looking after the trail, regularly monitoring its condition and helping to keep it accessible. The Thames Path National Trail officer reports to a partnership of 34 organizations, including the Environment Agency (which manages the river from its source to Teddington Weir), the Port of London Authority (responsible for the tidal Thames), and Natural England, which provides funding through Defra.

Key partners in this endeavour include the Ramblers, the River Thames Society, the Thames Estuary Partnership, Cycling UK, and the London Thames Strategies. The partnership also involves 23 highway authorities along the route from Gloucestershire to the City of London, each responsible for repairs, access improvements, and the legal processes necessary to maintain the trail, which mostly follows public footpaths.

In 2020, volunteers from the Thames Path and Ridgeway National Trails were honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest recognition a voluntary group can receive in the UK. This award was a testament to the dedication of the many people who have worked tirelessly to look after these iconic walking routes, ensuring they remain enjoyable for future generations.

The Thames Path offers a unique journey through history, connecting walkers with the river’s industrial past, natural beauty, and the vibrant communities along its banks. From rural Gloucestershire to the heart of London, the path is a testament to the power of community and the enduring appeal of this iconic river.