The Thames Path National Trail is one of England’s most scenic long-distance walking routes. At the same time, it’s important to know that it’s not a long-distance cycle route.
While the idea of cycling alongside the River Thames may be appealing, the majority of the Thames Path is designated as a public footpath, where cycling is not legally permitted unless explicitly authorised by the landowner. Many sections are narrow, uneven, and unsuitable for bikes, especially where the trail runs between the river and private land.
However, there are selected parts of the Thames Path, both on and near the main route, where cycling is allowed. On this page, we’ll outline where you can cycle legally and safely near the Thames, and suggest alternative routes that follow the river or pass through nearby countryside.
Can You Cycle the Thames Path?
In short, most of the Thames Path is not open to cyclists.
- The Thames Path is predominantly a public footpath, not a bridleway or cycle path.
- Cycling on a public footpath without permission is considered trespassing under UK law.
- The Highway Code (Rule 64) clearly states: “You must not cycle on a pavement.” This includes public footpaths.
- Many sections are unsuitable for bikes due to narrow width, overgrown vegetation, or high pedestrian traffic.
Please be respectful of walkers and landowners. If you’re unsure whether cycling is permitted, it’s safest to dismount or use nearby cycle-friendly alternatives.
Where Can You Cycle Near the Thames Path?
Although cycling the entire Thames Path isn’t feasible, there are several excellent sections where cycling is allowed, mostly on bridleways or designated cycle routes. Some of these follow the river closely, while others divert into nearby towns and countryside.
1. Oxford Section
You can cycle along the Thames through central Oxford on shared-use paths. This route gives you access to city parks, the University boathouses, and river meadows. For more information, check out our guides on the Newbridge to Oxford and Oxford to Abingdon sections of the Thames Path.
2. Weybridge to Hampton Court
This riverside section in Surrey offers a flat, scenic ride between Weybridge, Walton-on-Thames, Kingston, and Hampton Court Palace. Part of National Cycle Route 4, it includes both dedicated cycle paths and quiet back roads.
3. Reading to Windsor (31 miles / 50 km)
A beautiful and diverse route that follows the river in places and passes through Sonning, Maidenhead, Cookham, and Eton, before arriving in Windsor. This route is part of the Thames Valley Cycle Route, a mix of riverside paths and inland detours.
4. Teddington to Putney (12 miles / 19 km)
Cycle past Teddington Lock, Richmond Park, and the London Wetland Centre, ending in Putney. This is a well-loved section of NCR 4 with city views, green parks, and historic sites.
5. Tower Bridge to Greenwich (4.7 miles / 7.6 km)
A compact riverside route through central London that weaves through parks, docks, and heritage sites, ending at the Cutty Sark. Cycling is allowed on some stretches of the Thames Path in London boroughs, often on segregated paths or quiet lanes.
6. Pangbourne to Goring – King Alfred’s Way
This stretch is part of the King Alfred’s Way, an off-road adventure cycling route created by Cycling UK. Here, the Thames Path follows a public bridleway, so cycling is permitted.
National Cycle Network Links
The National Cycle Network (NCN), managed by Sustrans, includes several routes that intersect or follow the Thames. Key routes include:
- Route 4: London to Fishguard (includes Reading, Windsor, Putney to Greenwich).
- Route 5: Reading to Oxford.
- Thames Valley Cycle Route: Oxford to London via quiet lanes and riverside trails.