UPPER RIVER THAMES
CASTLE EATON TO LECHLADE
PADDLE GUIDE
A beautiful and relatively remote section of the Upper River Thames, paddling downstream from
Castle Eaton to Lechlade.
This is very different from the wider, more developed Thames downstream of Lechlade. The river here is narrow, winding and predominantly rural, with reeds and overhanging trees. As you approach Lechlade the river becomes wider and more recognisably navigable, with more boats and evidence of the historic Thames navigation.
The route is particularly attractive for kayaks, canoes and smaller craft, but paddlers should be comfortable manoeuvring around obstacles and dealing with changing water levels.
THE ROUTE
Click on the items along the route for more info and what3word links.
MAP COMING SOON
KEY PADDLE
INFO
APPROX DISTANCE
7 miles (11 km)
AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE
3-4 hours paddling
DIFFICULTY
Easy - Moderate
WATER TYPE
Non-tidal river
NAVIGATION AUTHORITY
Environment Agency
SUITABLE FOR
Kayaks, Canoes, SUPs
CURRENT
Usually gentle
LOCKS
None
BEST SEASON
Spring - Autumn
SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS?
Yes.
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WATERWAYS GUIDE
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHTS
CASTLE EATON
Historic village and home of The Red Lion, described as one of the earliest pubs associated with the Thames.
KEMPSFORD
The village and its prominent church provide an attractive landmark from the river.
HANNINGTON BRIDGE
Historic three-arch stone road bridge dating from 1841.
INGLESHAM ROUND HOUSE
Historic building associated with the Thames & Severn Canal.
THAMES & SEVERN CANAL
Historic navigation linking the Thames towards the River Severn.
RIVER COLN
The Coln joins the Thames at Inglesham.
HA’PENNY BRIDGE
Historic Lechlade bridge and one of the best-known landmarks on this section.
RIVER CHARACTER
CASTLE EATON → KEMPSFORD
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Narrow
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Twisty
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Rural
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Reedy
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Overhanging vegetation
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Fallen trees possible
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Very little powered traffic
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KEMPSFORD → HANNINGTON
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Narrow to moderate width
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Rural
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Shallow sections possible
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Potentially faster flow around bridge
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HANNINGTON → INGLESHAM
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Wider
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More open
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Meadows and farmland
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Fewer tight bends
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INGLESHAM → LECHLADE
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Wider river
-
More boats
-
Historic landscape
-
More developed river frontage
LICENSE REQUIRED TO PADDLE?
YES
Paddle UK membership (includes waterways licence)
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or
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Environment Agency registration where applicable. You can buy day licences from some locks as you go along the route.
MOBILE PHONE SIGNAL
Coverage should generally be reasonable, but there can be weaker areas through the more isolated countryside.
Do not rely on mobile phone coverage as your only emergency provision.
CURRENT RIVER RESTRICTIONS
RIVER CONDITION / STREAM WARNINGS
WEATHER AND FLOW
TOM'S TOP TIPS
CHECK IT IS NAVIGABLE
This route can get overgrown and some times of the year it is not navigable.
Drop me an email to see if i can advise on its current state.
DON’T ASSUME THE BANK IS PUBLIC
Much of the countryside alongside the Thames is privately owned.
TAKE YOUR TIME
This isn’t a route where you need to race to Lechlade. The narrow river and wildlife make it a good slow-adventure paddle.
