Thames Path 4: Tadpole Bridge to Eynsham
Route facts
Waterways:
River Thames »
Duration: Five hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Suitable for: Everyone
Starts at: Tadpole Bridge
Ends at: Swinford Bridge, near Eynsham
Explore one of the most remote stretches of the Thames, with no villages en route, but five pubs and some of the river's prettiest locks.
You'll pass the oldest bridge on the Thames, nature reserves, and the site of a historic river ferry. Waterway walking doesn't get more rural than this.
On this walk, you'll see the Thames leave the Cotswolds behind as it gathers pace on its way to Oxford.
The only busy spot on the whole day's walking is Newbridge, where two popular riverside pubs attract day-trippers from far afield. Otherwise, your only companions will be herons, grazing cows and the occasional motor cruiser or narrowboat. There are two diversions away from the river, but these are well signposted using the standard National Trail 'acorn' symbol.
Many improvements have been made to the path since it was opened in the 1990s, but volunteers are still needed to help maintain this popular walk. You can find out more about volunteering, and other aspects of the path, at the official Thames Path website.
The Thames can flood in rainy conditions, making the path impassable. You can get the latest situation by ringing the Environment Agency's Floodline on 0845 988 1188.
Getting there
Parking: There is a layby just north of Tadpole Bridge with limited parking space. At the other end of the walk, use the car park to the north of Swinford Bridge - a modest fee is payable to the toll collector on the bridge.
Public transport: Stagecoach Oxford service 18 runs between Bampton and Eynsham, short walks from the start and end of the route respectively, and touches the path at Bablock Hythe. Other connections are available at Witney, including buses which cross Swinford Bridge itself. For full details, call Traveline on 0870 6082608.
Waypoints
1. Tadpole Bridge
Walk east from Tadpole Bridge, past the nature reserve and onto a lonely stretch of river. The course of the Thames is at its windiest for the next five miles, with World War II pillboxes occasionally stationed in the bends on the river. A diversion across fields was once necessary here, but now the path follows the river all the way.
2. Shifford Lock
The approach to Shifford Lock is an archetypal Thames 'lock cut' - narrow and tree-lined as it approaches the attractive chamber. The path switches sides here, then crosses the partly-navigable weir stream (the main course of the river) on a footbridge. Follow the still-winding river for another two miles to Newbridge.
3. Newbridge
Despite the name, this is the oldest bridge on the River Thames, dating from the 13th century. It is flanked by the popular Rose Revived and Maybush inns: boat hire is available, and the whole area fairly bustles on a summer Saturday. The Cotswold River Windrush joins modestly here. Cross sides by means of the road bridge and continue along the north bank.
4. Northmoor Lock
Northmoor is one of the most isolated locks on the Thames. The path continues on the same bank, with only the occasional boat traffic to disturb your progress.
5. Bablock Hythe
The Ferryman Inn at Bablock Hythe marks a diversion in the path. A ferry operates on occasion: if this is running, use it to cross the river and follow the east bank to the next lock. Otherwise, walk down the road past the caravan site, continue past the T-junction, and turn right where signposted. Follow the edge of the field until the path meets a crossroads, where you turn right and walk towards the river again. Follow the river until Pinkhill Lock.
6. Pinkhill Lock
This lock, in the shadow of the vast Farmoor Reservoir (on the east bank), is renowned as one of the friendliest and most attractive on the Upper Thames. Switch sides here and continue until a short diversion directs you right, onto a busy B road (with footpath). Follow this for 200 yards then turn left, taking you back to the river by a boatyard. Follow its winding course to Swinford Bridge.
7. Swinford Bridge
The end of today's walk, Swinford Bridge once carried the main London-Oxford-Cheltenham road (the A40) before it was diverted around the north of Oxford. The bridge remains busy with traffic and still charges a toll. If you need refreshment, the Talbot is just north of the bridge at the head of a once-navigable backwater.
Other stages
Thames Path 3: Lechlade to Tadpole Bridge »
Thames Path 4: Tadpole Bridge to Eynsham
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