A Thames River Walk Through Time: Repurposing Tow Paths

I love it when old technologies are repurposed to solve entirely different problems. A perfect example is the extensive system of canals and tow paths throughout England. Before the Industrial Revolution and the advent of railways, these canals were built to transport goods between cities and towns. Narrow boats pulled by horses or mules along tow paths were a common sight.

Today, however, these tow paths have found a new purpose: recreational walking. They offer picturesque routes through the English countryside, allowing people to explore the beauty of the canals and rivers. The commerce that once flowed along these waterways may have shifted to railways, but the paths themselves continue to serve a valuable function.

This year, I had the privilege of joining three other hikers on a journey along the River Thames tow path, from the city of Oxford to its source, a distance of about 50 miles. Farther upstream, the river gradually narrowed, eventually transforming into a swollen creek before disappearing into a spring.

River lock and dam near Oxford, the river is wide enough for barge traffic, tow path on the right bank

Google My Maps was helpful to summarize the route (courtesy of Tom Wilson)

Several barges near Oxford, now repurposed as homes or vacation rentals, tow path on the left through the gap in the hedge (photo courtesy of Tom Wilson)

While our trip had been carefully planned for nearly a year, the weather gods had other ideas. A month's worth of rain fell a few days before we started walking, submerging large portions of the tow path. Perhaps unwisely, we pressed on, wading through waterlogged sections and even resorting to a barefoot crossing at one point. At times, we were forced to deviate from the trail - by cab to be honest - and continue our walk from higher ground.

As the saying goes, "It's called travel." These unexpected challenges added an extra layer of adventure. Sometimes the most memorable experiences are unplanned.

Start of the hike, with a light mist, and threat of flooding (photo courtesy of Tom Wilson)

Photo courtesy of John Morrissey

I was thankful for a fan heater and our hiking poles (photo courtesy of Tom Wilson)

Despite the flooding, much of the tow path was still walkable

What must have been a mill is now a home, with a stream running beneath it

Lovely garden topiary: tea pot, sugar bowl, and cup

At the trail's end a country hotel served up a fine breakfast, next to the river rendered in print (photo courtesy of John Morrissey)

Old print hanging in my hotel room on the Thames

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