Running for 180 miles (288 km) from the river's source in rural Gloucestershire to Greenwich and the Thames Barrier, the Thames Path is one of the most popular and accessible of Britain's National Trails. It also offers a unique opportunity to walk through the nation's history from the dreaming spires of Oxford, past Windsor and Hampton Court and on through the heart of London to the towers of Dockland and beyond. This guide provides everything the walker needs, whether the intention is to cover to whole route from end to end or simply to find a location for a pleasant afternoon's walk beside the river. National Trail Guides are the official guidebooks to the fifteen National Trails in England and Wales and are published in association with Natural England, the official body charged with developing and maintaining the Trails.