The Thames Path (National Trail Guides) (National Trail Guides)

"This is an indispensable companion if walking the Thames Path, and if you are taking only one book along with you, it should be this one. Others, such as Turner's one on pubs, the National Trail Companion, and the Imray map, are helpful, but you can get along without them if you have this.

Detailed OS maps are included for every step of the way, with the relevant text on the same page. The text itself gives very clear directions, fills you in on local history and landmarks, and points out pubs and other places of refreshment. The balance is just right.

Once the Path reaches London it follows both banks of the river. Here the text usefully splits into colour-coded north and south sections, which run in parallel to each other.

David Sharp, the author, is one of the founders of the Path. His other book, on he London Loop, which he also helped found, is equally excellent.

As another reviewer points out, you can't follow the Path uptream with this book."
~ Written on 2007-01-25

"The maps are clearly presented and mark the route distinctly, while the text gives you all the information you're likely to want, other than bus routes and such, which are readily available over the net.
It's just a little tricky though, if, like myself, you find it more interesting to walk the route upstream rather than down - from the more familiar areas to the less familiar. All guidebooks to the Thames Path that I can find follow it downstream - an upstream edition would be nice!"
~ Written on 2003-04-29

"The guide is very good at a few things: places of interest, historical information and a rough guide to the route. In reality, the route (certainly the London section) suffers from diversions, some marked, some not. In the more rural sections, handily positioned pubs are marked and mentioned, but not so much in town which would have been useful. Overall, it's not too bad really but you'd want to take other maps and check out train timetables and local pubs etc."
~ Written on 2002-09-23

"As guide books go, you can always rely on the NT to come forth with a stomper of a trail. The OS maps interweave the narrative, and the 180 mile walk is broken into workable 10-16 mile stretches of glorious river. This means that if you can't do it all in one go, then a mellow day's hike can be planned.

I always use these books as the main source for any walk; other guides are useful for particular stretches, but for a coverall, read while you walk, these are ideal. And they've got rounded page edges, so no more bent books or sore fingers!"
~ Written on 2000-10-16