Source to Sea - Walk 5: Tadpole Bridge to Newbridge

Walk 5: Tadpole Bridge to Newbridge – 9^th May

Distance: ~6 miles (9.6 km)

Approx. Duration: ~3 hours

Start: The Trout Inn, Buckland Marsh (Parking available for patrons))

Finish: The Rose Revived Inn, Newbridge, OX29 7QD (Parking available)

Join us, Jonathan Passmore and Ellie Lloyd-Jones as we embark on an inspiring journey, walking the full 215 miles of the Thames Source to Sea route. With a shared love for outdoor coaching and a passion for adventure, we will begin at the river’s source near Swindon on Friday, 31st January, and aim to finish at the estuary in Essex by the end of the year.

About the Challenge: The route will be divided into a series of roughly 7-mile sections every few weeks, and we’d love for you to join us along the way. Each walk will take us through different environments, offering a chance to connect with nature and experience its many benefits.

From the quiet, emerging river at its source, through the picturesque countryside, into the vibrant city as the river swells, and finally to the vast sea, this journey mirrors our own human journey from birth to maturity. Each segment of the walk offers its own unique beauty and insights.

What to Expect:

• Connection with Nature: Experience how the changing landscapes along the Thames impact our wellbeing, from the peaceful rural areas to the lively urban environment and out to the expansive sea.

• Community and Connection: Join a welcoming group of like-minded people. Together, we’ll share experiences, enjoy the scenery, and create lasting memories.

• Meaningful Contribution: By walking with us, you’ll help gather valuable data on the impact of nature on wellbeing, which we’ll use to promote the benefits of outdoor coaching.

Walk Details:

Start Point: Thames Source, near Kemble, Gloucestershire. Park at Thames Head Inn, postcode GL7 6NZ.
End Point: Cricklade, Wiltshire. Park at Cricklade Town Hall car park, postcode SN6 6AE.
Distance: 8 miles
Walking Time: Approximately 3–4 hours

How to Prepare: 

1. Boots and clothing - You will need a pair of walking boots or suitable foot wear - in wet weather the paths may be wet or slippery, and suitable clothing, including a coat in case the weather changes.
2. Equipment - Please bring any medication you need, drinks and food. In the early sections of the walk there are few if any shops, pubs or cafes. You thus need to bring all the food and drink you need for the day and your journey home.
3. Access -You will need to get to the meeting location (the end of the walk). These might be in a remote village without public transport nearly sections of the walk.
4. Car sharing - You must be prepared to partner with someone who will then drive you to the start, and be prepared to drive them back to the start to retrieved their car.
5. Maps - The path is clear - it follows the river and is well signposted. We will share at the start and end points for the group at the start of the day.
6. The walk - Each walk is around 10 miles and takes around 3-4 hours. Be prepared to walk this distance as there is no recovery service or alternative transport options, beyond you calling a taxi or an ambulance.

Logistics: As this is a Point to Point route, we invite people to car share. So person A takes another person to the start point and then they walk to the finish where person B takes A back to their car. 

How to Join: We’ll set up a booking link on our Ticket Tailor platform for each leg of the walk. You can sign up for free, with a waiver included. We’ll also create a WhatsApp group for participants to stay connected, share photos, and receive updates about each walk.

Support a Cause: We’d love to support a nature-focused charity along the route. We’re considering partnering with the local Earth Trust to help protect the beautiful landscapes we’ll be exploring. If you have any suggestions, we’d love to hear them!

Ready to Walk with Us? Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply enjoy a stroll through nature, this journey offers something special. Come and explore the Thames with us, one step at a time!  

Once you have booked, make sure you check open the ticket confirmation email as there will be a link to a pre-questionnaire to help us cater for your needs.