Distance: 10 miles (16 km)
Start: Wallingford
End: Goring-on-Thames
Time: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Weather Forecast for this Section (Next 7 Days)
Section Overview
The walk between Wallingford and Goring is one of the Thames Path’s most scenic and rewarding stretches. This section provides sweeping views of the river valley, wooded hills and ancient villages. As you approach the Goring Gap, the landscape begins to narrow between the Chilterns and North Wessex Downs, offering a stunning natural corridor carved by the Thames.
This route is perfect for walkers who enjoy gentle climbs and a quieter trail atmosphere.
Leaving Wallingford
You begin this stage by crossing Wallingford Bridge, one of the oldest and longest bridges along the Thames. The early part of the walk follows a well-maintained towpath along the river as it winds gently through open fields and beneath wide skies.
Shortly after leaving town, you’ll pass Moulsford Railway Bridge, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in the 1830s and still in use today. The structure, built from red brick and a series of elegant arches is an impressive sight to behold.
Moulsford and the River Views
As you approach Moulsford, the river becomes narrower in places, with more defined bends and gentle banks. The Beetle and Wedge Boathouse Restaurant, located right on the water’s edge, is a great place to stop for lunch or a break. It offers outdoor seating and beautiful river views.
After Moulsford, the path hugs the river closely and then begins to pass through a series of meadows and woodland margins. This area is often quieter and ideal for spotting wildlife such as red kites, herons, and even kingfishers in the early morning.
South Stoke and Riverside Paths
The path continues to the small village of South Stoke, which lies just slightly inland. From here you follow one of the most peaceful and attractive river stretches of the entire Thames Path. With the wooded slopes of the Chiltern Hills beginning to rise in the distance, and the river narrowing into more dramatic curves, the scenery becomes increasingly distinctive.
Arriving in Goring
The final approach to Goring-on-Thames is particularly scenic. The path winds through open pastures before passing under the Goring and Streatley Bridge, where the Thames flows swiftly between the twin villages of Goring (on the Oxfordshire side) and Streatley (in Berkshire).
Goring is a small, welcoming village with a number of shops, cafés, and pubs. Its riverside setting and surrounding hills make it a popular destination for walkers, cyclists, and day-trippers.
Goring is also where the Chiltern Hills meet the North Wessex Downs, and the river squeezes through this natural gap (known as the Goring Gap). It’s a geologically and visually striking area and marks a clear transition in the character of the Thames Path.
From here, the next section of the Thames Path takes you onwards towards Reading.
Next Section
Goring to Reading – (10.5 Miles)
This stretch of the Thames Path follows the river as it continues through the Goring Gap, with wooded slopes rising on either side and the river winding between tranquil villages and open countryside. The scenery becomes more varied as the route approaches the larger town of Reading, where the path rejoins a more urban environment.
Previous Section
Abingdon to Wallingford – (13.5 Miles)
The Thames Path between Abingdon and Wallingford is a picturesque stretch, weaving through historic villages, open countryside, and quiet meadows. It feels distinctly rural for much of the route, with only occasional road crossings and several scenic points to stop, explore, or enjoy a riverside break. This section is ideal for walkers looking for a peaceful, full-day hike with plenty of natural beauty and some rewarding cultural stops along the way.