Cricklade to Lechlade

Section Overview

The journey begins in Cricklade, a historic Saxon town known as the point where the River Thames becomes navigable. Cricklade’s charming High Street is lined with traditional stone buildings and local shops. Before setting off, it’s worth exploring North Meadow National Nature Reserve, especially in April when the rare snake’s head fritillary flowers bloom in their thousands – a stunning natural spectacle.

From the High Street, the trail heads east, following the river through pastureland and alongside hedgerows, gradually leaving Cricklade behind.

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Cotswold Countryside and Quiet Villages

As you follow the river, the path takes you through a patchwork of flat farmland, old bridges, and quiet tracks. The meadows here are home to herons, swans, and kingfishers. You’ll cross occasional footbridges and stiles, adding variety to the otherwise gentle terrain.

The route passes near Castle Eaton, a quiet village with stone cottages and a beautiful 12th-century church, St Mary the Virgin. There’s a pub here if you’re ready for a break – The Red Lion, one of the oldest surviving pubs on the Thames Path.

Shortly after Castle Eaton, the trail continues along fields and country lanes, staying close to the river’s path. This section feels especially remote – you’ll likely hear little more than birdsong, water, and the wind in the trees.

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Nature Along the Way

This part of the Thames Path offers a rich array of wildlife habitats. You’ll pass through wetlands, flood meadows, and quiet riverbanks that are alive with wildflowers and insects during spring and summer. In autumn, mist often drifts across the meadows, giving the walk a tranquil, almost ethereal quality.

The surrounding landscape includes farmland, copses of willow and alder, and broad skies – especially lovely for photographers and bird watchers.

The River Thames, while still relatively narrow here, starts to take on a more stately appearance, meandering through the open countryside.

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Approaching Lechlade

As you near Lechlade-on-Thames, the river widens and the presence of boats becomes more frequent – a sign that you’re approaching one of the key Thames-side towns. Before entering the town itself, you’ll pass the historic St John’s Lock, the uppermost lock on the River Thames. Next to it stands a stone statue of Old Father Thames, a symbol of the river’s enduring cultural presence.

Just beyond the lock is Halfpenny Bridge, a charming stone bridge built in the 18th century. It marks your arrival into Lechlade, a lovely market town that has long been a favourite stop for walkers and river travellers alike.

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Lechlade-on-Thames

Lechlade is a picturesque Cotswold town where the River Thames becomes officially navigable. It’s a great place to pause and recharge – there are several riverside pubs, cafés, and shops. The Church of St Lawrence, with its impressive tower, is worth a visit. Lechlade is also a popular spot for boating and canoeing, and during the warmer months, you’ll often see people picnicking along the riverside.

If you’re ending your walk here, local bus services connect Lechlade with nearby towns like Cirencester, Swindon, and Faringdon. If you’re continuing, the next section of the Thames Path leads on toward Newbridge and Oxford.