Lechlade to Newbridge

Section Overview

Your walk begins in the attractive market town of Lechlade-on-Thames, a popular mooring point for boats. From Halfpenny Bridge, the path heads east along the towpath, soon passing St John’s Lock – the uppermost lock on the navigable Thames. This is also where you’ll see the famous stone statue of Old Father Thames, originally sculpted for the Crystal Palace.

Shortly after leaving Lechlade, the scenery opens up into peaceful floodplain meadows with views of the wide river and distant tree lines. The sense of tranquillity is immediate – it’s one of the quietest sections of the trail, far from towns and main roads.

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Wildlife and Remote Countryside

This stretch of the river is excellent for wildlife spotting. Look out for herons, swans, grebes, and possibly even otters. The surrounding meadows and backwaters provide rich habitats, especially in spring and summer.

You’ll pass near several quiet hamlets and farm buildings, but services are minimal between Lechlade and Newbridge, so it’s wise to bring food and water. The only significant mid-point landmark is Radcot Bridge, which offers a chance for a rest.

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Radcot Bridge and Lock

Roughly halfway into the walk, you’ll come to Radcot Bridge, the oldest surviving bridge on the River Thames. Dating back to the 13th century, it was once the site of a Civil War skirmish and today marks a quiet crossing point with a nearby lock and weir.

Adjacent to the bridge is The Swan Hotel, a riverside pub that makes a welcome stop for refreshments or lunch. It’s one of the only places along this route to pause and relax under cover.

Learn more about Radcot: British Listed Buildings – Radcot Bridge

After Radcot, the trail continues through open fields, occasionally lined with hedgerows or shaded by old willows. While the scenery is subtle, it’s deeply peaceful and unspoilt.

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Shifford Lock and Grafton

This section of the river becomes increasingly winding, with the Thames Path occasionally diverting away from the riverbank. You’ll pass Shifford Lock, one of the more remote locks on the Thames, set amid farmland with no vehicular access. It’s a good place to stop for a break, with benches and a footbridge.

Near Shifford, you’ll pass the tiny hamlet of Grafton. There are no shops or pubs here, but it adds a rural character to the route, with its scattered farmhouses and glimpses of village life.

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Arriving at Newbridge

Eventually, the path leads into Newbridge, a historic crossing where two riverside pubs sit either side of the bridge. Built in the 13th century during the reign of King John, Newbridge is one of the oldest surviving bridges across the Thames and offers a fitting end to this section.

The pubs here – The Rose Revived and The Maybush – are popular with walkers and boaters alike. This is a great place to rest, enjoy a meal, and take in views of the river from the terrace.