The Search for the Source II, 10 miles, moderate

Calendar

When:

August 14, 2021 @ 11:45 am

2021-08-14T11:45:00+01:00

2021-08-14T12:00:00+01:00

Where:

Kemble Station

Cost:

Free

Contact:

Tom H

Walk

Booking Required Circular Limited Spaces (20) moderate public transport Walk

This 10-mile circular walk from Kemble station includes a visit to the source of the Thames, a walk along a disused canal, and the Cotswold AONB.

Walk details

By overwhelming public demand (i.e. 2 people asked) we shall return to the source of the Thames.

From Kemble station, we will join the final stretch of the Thames Path across the fields to the stone marking the source at Thames Head. Picking up the towpath of the disused Thames and Severn Canal, we will next reach the eastern portal of Sapperton Tunnel – once the longest in the country. This portion of the walk lies within the Cotswolds AONB. Continuing on through the small village of Coates and across fields, we cross the Fosse Way and reach Ewen. From there, we pick up the Thames again as we head back to Kemble. The Tavern Inn at Kemble is very close to the station and we can wait there before catching the train back to Reading.

Travel details

Pay and display car parking is available at Kemble station.

Please catch the 10.53am train from Reading to Kemble, arriving at 11.39am.

Kemble lies outside the Network Railcard zone. To reduce the costs, we will aim to take advantage of the Groupsave discount. If you intend to take the train from Reading, please meet outside the Three Guineas at 10.30am, where we will split into groups of 3-9 to buy our tickets.

Notes

If you or someone else from your household has COVID-19 symptoms, please do not attend.
You must follow all safety advice given by the walk leader.
It is recommended that you bring hand sanitizer or gloves in case you need to touch gates/stiles/etc.
Please be considerate to other path users and step aside to let people past – and don’t forget to say ‘hi’ or ‘thanks’!
Please bring a packed lunch and a drink.
If it’s a hot sunny day, please bring plenty of water and wear sun cream and a sun hat!
Please feel free to contact the leader with queries about the walk, or if you are delayed on the day.

Booking details

This walk is limited to 20 walkers including the walk leader.
Do not turn up for the walk without booking, else we will have to turn you away.
Book a place on this walk by completing this Google Form. Booking will open the Wednesday evening before the walk.
We will only use the contact information you provide to get in touch about the walk, or to share if requested with NHS Test and Trace.
If after booking, you need to cancel your place on the walk, please use the link in your walk booking confirmation email so that we can make your place available to someone else.
If you have any queries, please email walkbookings@berkshirewalkers.co.uk.

Booking onto a walk

Most walks do not require advance booking, and you can just turn up on the day. We encourage those comfortable with Meetup to indicate there that you plan to come though, so that others can see there will be plenty of people there – this really helps to encourage new members to come along.
For the few which still have limited numbers, this is handled via Meetup. Follow the link to a walk’s Meetup page (or press 🎟 Register / 🎟 Tickets / 🎟), and mark yourself as attending.
Social and other events may have their own booking system – please see the event description.

Pace Guide

Gentle: led at a gentle pace with regular short breaks for water or rest. Should be suitable for anyone capable of the distance. (Expect 2–2.5 mph.)
Medium: led at an intermediate pace with fewer breaks but still suitable for most walkers. (Expect 2.5–3 mph.)
Fast: led at a quick pace with minimal breaks. May be a challenge for those with less fitness. (Expect 3 mph+.)

Speeds quoted are only a rough guide, including time spent on short water/rest stops and negotiating stiles/gates/roads etc. but not that spent on longer lunch or pub stops.