I walked the path in Dec 2013 from the sea to the source. The reason I chose to walk in this direction is because I live in London and wanted to commute back to my apartment for as many days as possible before having to stay in accommodation along the way. I also decided beforehand that I would like to challenge myself and complete the walk in 7 days. My guidebook sets the walk out in 20 stages and other sites recommend allowing 3 weeks for a leisurely walking holiday. By doing it in 7 days I was unable to visit sites along the way (Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace etc) and each day for me was just about walking. If I was to walk it again, I would like to average 25km (15mi) per day and would allow 12-13 days. If you’re walking the path and have never seen any of the sights along the way then 2-3 weeks would probably be a better length of time and a very enjoyable sightseeing holiday.

The path is generally a very flat path and easy walking with beautiful riverside views. I encountered a lot of mud and rainy days, but this was to be expected doing it in the middle of December. However, being a walk in England, I would always recommend carrying wet weather gear with you at any time of the year.

• Guidebook: Cicerone, The Thames Path from the Sea to the Source, by Leigh Hatts, Second Edition
• GPS: Garmin 62s
• Total distance recorded: 313km / 194mi. Average per day 45km / 28mi (My total length is further than the suggested 180 mile length as I was walking to and from train stations or accommodation each day)
• Shoes or boots? Shoes for me, I think boots would be overkill but this is personal preference.
• Accommodation: Wallingford – Little Gables B&B, £70 for a single room. Oxford – YHA, £16 for a female dorm room. Lechlade-on-Thames – New Inn Hotel, £50 for a single room incl breakfast.