Luxury Thames Source to Sea: Itinerary
10 nights / 11 days self- guided cycling tour
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Day One - Ewen
Arrive in the village of Ewen close to Cirencester A warm welcome awaits you at the cosy inn where your host will meet you in the afternoon with your cycling equipment. Take a short ride if you wish to the source of the Thames River and its headstone for a photo call to mark the start of your adventure.You may like to see nearby Cirencester too, capital of the Cotswolds before returning to your hotel.
Day Two - Ewen to Clanfield
34 miles (54km)
Today's route is through the rural meadows of the Upper Thames area where the river begins as barely a trickle. Following country lanes and sections of the river path reach Cricklade, a well preserved Saxon town and Lechlade with its moored boats and antique shops. Your hotel is not far away in a 16th Century village inn.
Day Three - Clanfield to Oxford
28 miles (45km)
Before reaching Oxford the Thames flows through a remote and agricultural area with pretty hamlets and ancient inns. Weather permitting, you may be able to cross the river at the only ford on the Thames. Then cycle at the waters edge all the way into the heart of historic Oxford to your hotel.
Day Four - Oxford
The famous university town is packed with history from its 13th Century colleges to the wharfes and pubs associated with countless writers and films. Take in fine museums and unique shops or try your hand at punting! Your hotel.
Day Five - Oxford to an Oxfordshire village
28 miles (45km)
Criss cross the Thames today and discover forgotten rural scenes and a string of ancient market towns. Discover the ancient abbey in Abingdon or take tea in lovely Dorchester. Your hotel nestles in an idyllic riverside village.
Day Six - An Oxfordshire village to Marlow
30 miles (48km)
Follow the river today through the picturesque Chiltern Hills. There are some slopes on the quiet lanes but there are also wonderful views and woods as well as flat Thames towpath and pretty bridleways. Cycle through the delightful riverside town of Henley with its weirs and old mill before reaching Thameside Marlow. Your hotel.
Day Seven - Marlow to Windsor
20 miles (32km)
Leave the riverside scene for a short while and enjoy quaint villages and country lanes before meeting the Thames again near Windsor. Cycle through the heart of Eton and across the river into Windsor where you will stay the night, almost adjacent to the castle. Now is a wonderful opportunity to explore this historic castle and royal home with its dramatic riverside setting. Your hotel.
Day Eight - Windsor to Hampton Court
19 miles (30 km) or 36 miles (58km)
There is a wonderful ride into Windsor Great Park if you want a little extra cycling; you will be rewarded with expansive views of London and a different glimpse of royal life. Then head off along the river to Hampton Court passing houseboats and villas, famous islands and pretty lock cottages. Your riverside hotel is adjacent to the Palace with its 500 years of royal history from Henry VIII to Queen Victoria.
Day Nine - Hampton Court to London
26 miles (42km)
Cycle beside the Thames almost all day and enjoy the royal history so prevalent along the banks of the river. Take in the palaces at Richmond and Kew, the famous Botanical Gardens and the fine houses on the waterfront at Richmond. The route leads you almost traffic free past the Houses of Parliament to your riverside hotel opposite the London Eye.
Day Ten - London to Greenwich
15 miles (24km)
Ride east towards the sea and unravel the layers of history that have built up over two centuries beside the River Thames. Take in Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, Sir Francis Drake's Golden Hind, the Tower of London and the atmosphere of the old wharfs of London's docks. Enjoy a traffic - free route to the historic maritime centre of Greenwich and to the Thames Barrier where your adventure finally ends. Reward yourself with a lazy boat trip back upstream to your hotel for a second night.
Day Eleven - Depart London
