2 independent reviews for Thames Path walking vacation in England
Reviews for Thames Path walking vacation in England
Christopher Chapman review 10 Jul 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The walk was amazing. I got to see so much of England and enjoy the country and the towns that I passed through.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Plan for every weather condition.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes to all.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was a great experience. I plan to schedule more trips in the future.Frances Harris review 21 May 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Watching the Thames grow from a trickle to a mighty river, and seeing human life grow and change along with it. We also loved the feeling of accomplishment at the end of each day. Really, it was all the small things - the village life, great food (and beer!) in rural areas, wisteria in bloom, the right amount of solitude, gentle beauty at every turn, sheep watching us. We couldn't get enough of seeing how people decked out their narrow boats.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Our one major suggestion for the tour operator is that they calibrate distances more accurately. Distances appeared to reflect the path itself and not always take into account the route from the path to the accommodation. One day was particularly difficult (Lechlade to Northmoor). The tour materials reported 16 miles; our phones recorded the distance as 20. Our hosts for the night (Rectory Farm - amazing place!) told us the previous night’s guests had the same experience, and they had booked with a different company. So this may be an industry practice. If so, I would caution other travelers to be prepared for longer walking times than their instructions indicate. I would also encourage people to not feel bad about hopping on buses to get in and out of cities like Oxford where the walking is less rewarding. Another pro tip - you have to ask for the bathroom at most locks. No signage, and they are typically locked. Finally, in terms of accommodations, expect some funky and very local. Don’t sign up for this trip if you want shiny new! That’s not the point.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely. Only one of our accommodations seemed remotely like a chain (and not enough for me to even name it here). We spent money in many local establishments. And walking certainly reduces impact.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The only thing that keeps me from giving the vacation a 5-star rating is the distance calibration problem noted above. The luggage transfer was brilliant and the accommodations were what we expected and, for the most part, quite nice. Communication with the tour operator was also good. We'd definitely do a trip like this again.Holiday Reviews
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