View of London from the Thames Path along the south side of the river.

For our next adventure, we’re thinking of walking along the Thames River, from its source to its mouth, just past Greenwich. We walked most of the last few miles of it in November 2011, not knowing at the time that it was possible to walk the entire length. Think of it — you’re following a river, so it’s downhill all the way!

Signpost along the path between Tower Bridge and Greenwich. Note the acorn symbol, which is the guide all the way along the trail like the scallop shells for the Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

This evening has been spent tracking down information about the trail, on the official website at http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/thamespath/. The site describes the trail as:

“Follow the greatest river in England for 184 miles (294 km) from its source in the Cotswolds almost to the sea. Passing through peaceful water meadows, unspoilt rural villages, historic towns and cities, and finally cutting through the heart of London to finish at the Thames Barrier in Greenwich.”

Map of the Path, about 184 miles.

Working on the Cutty Sark at Greenwich.

Cormorants and gulls in the Thames.

We’ll keep you posted, as we find out more about the weather, the accommodations, the cost, and all of those practical matters, along with more of the history of the river and the experiences of others who’ve walked the distance.